Uzbekistan and France Sign Agreements to Develop Oncology, Surgery, and Cardiology

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Minister of Health Asilbek Khudayarov, participated in the “French Healthcare & Business Forum” held in Paris on 19–21 January, the Dunyo News Agency reports.

The forum gathered over 300 delegates, including more than 150 representatives from the healthcare sectors of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco, Kuwait, and other countries. French clinics and companies actively participated in B2B and B2G negotiations, providing a platform for establishing business and institutional partnerships.

During a series of bilateral meetings, the Uzbek delegation reached significant agreements. In particular, a discussion with the Special Representative for Healthcare of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georges-Fabrice Blum, highlighted that following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to France in March 2025, cooperation between the two countries in healthcare has reached a new level. The parties agreed to expand collaboration in oncology, emergency medicine, cardiology, surgery, and blood transfusion services.

Special attention was given to the creation of the first Tashkent Oncology Center under the Gustave Roussy International brand. A licensing agreement was signed with the management of Gustave Roussy Oncology Center.

Plans include a visit by a delegation led by Fabrice Barlesi to Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2026, and the development of a joint action plan through the end of 2026. The project envisages the implementation of international clinical protocols, regular training with French experts, and the advanced professional development of Uzbek specialists in France.

At a meeting with Céline Poulet, Secretary-General of the Interministerial Center for Disability at the French Prime Minister’s Office, reforms in social assistance for persons with disabilities in Uzbekistan were presented, French experience was studied, and agreements were reached on cooperation in psychological and medical rehabilitation, as well as the training of social workers.

Additionally, a Protocol on Surgical Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the French National Academy of Surgery. The agreement provides for the training of 100 Uzbek surgeons in leading French medical centers by 2030, with the first five specialists scheduled to study at the Paul Strauss Center in Strasbourg in March 2026.

Discussions also covered bilateral collaboration with the Monaco Cardiothoracic Center, including specialist exchanges, scientific and practical experience sharing, and the potential treatment of patients requiring complex cardiac surgeries in Monaco.

The Uzbek delegation included heads of leading medical institutions, such as the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Surgery named after Academician V. Vakhidov, the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Emergency Medical Care, the Republican Specialized Center of Cardiology, the National Medical Center, and the Republican Blood Transfusion Center. Delegates visited several clinics and medical institutions in France, exploring ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and achieving relevant agreements.

Patrick Le Dise, Director of International Projects at Gustave Roussy, emphasized that collaboration with Uzbekistan opens strategic opportunities for scientific exchange, joint research initiatives, and long-term partnership in oncology. He noted that the project officially launches long-term cooperation, offering Uzbekistan European expertise in oncology, which is vital for developing the country’s healthcare system and improving cancer care.