Strengthening Healthcare Links: Turkmenistan and China in Talks

On April 15, 2026, a prominent delegation from China engaged with Turkmenistan, paving the way for stronger healthcare partnerships, particularly in child care and traditional medicine.

The team, spearheaded by Tan Zhishu, the Rector of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, visited the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Charitable Foundation for Supporting Children in Need of Care located in Arkadag City, a site dedicated to advancing healthcare and social welfare initiatives.

During the meeting, Oguljakhan Atabaeva, the Foundation's Vice-President for Medical Affairs, engaged in thorough discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral healthcare efforts, with a focus on children's health and rehabilitation.

Both parties underscored the significance of a recently inked Memorandum of Understanding designated to establish a Turkmen-Chinese Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, an initiative poised to elevate collaboration among medical institutions from both countries.

The conversation also spotlighted expanding efforts in areas like complex medical treatments, rehabilitation services, and the fusion of traditional with modern medical practices to better healthcare outcomes.

Atabaeva remarked on Turkmenistan's commitment to safeguarding children's health and enhancing their quality of life through advanced medical services and social support structures. She emphasized the foundation's role, established in 2021, in offering vital medical care and performing complex surgeries for children.

The Chinese delegation expressed keen interest in deepening cooperation, recognizing Turkmenistan as a valuable partner in healthcare innovation. They also noted the global outreach of traditional medicine centers and applauded Turkmenistan’s participation in this network.

The delegation toured the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, observing cutting-edge treatment facilities and integrated healthcare services aimed at fostering children's recovery and development.

Their visit also encompassed the State Equestrian Circus, where hippotherapy serves as a natural rehabilitation method, showcasing innovative strategies for enhancing children's physical and emotional well-being.

With optimism, both sides conveyed that this visit would solidify humanitarian bonds and inspire lasting collaborations within healthcare, education, and research.