Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has overseen a deal that will see Dundee University provide training to China’s leading healthcare companies.
Both Dundee and Edinburgh universities have signed an agreement with the Strategic Alliance for the Medical & Healthcare Industry of China (SAMHIC).
The completion of the agreement took place in Shanghai and was witnessed by Ms Sturgeon, who was heading a Scottish Government trade mission to China.
Commenting on the new partnership, the First Minister said: “We have a world-class higher education system paired with excellent medical schools in Scotland and I am delighted that the universities of Edinburgh and Dundee have been able to partner with SAMHIC.
“This new partnership will allow many medical professionals, from both Scotland and China, to develop a first-rate programme of education, training and research.”
SAMHIC is a group of 20 influential Chinese enterprises that operates more than 2,500 hospitals in mainland China.
Its members include a major Chinese insurance company, the world’s largest genomics research institute, digital health technology companies and the UK-based International Hospital Group.
Professor John Connell, who is vice-principal for research at Dundee University, said: “The very strong links between universities and the NHS in Scotland places us in a very strong position to add value to the SAMHIC collaboration.
“Our mission, as a university, is to help transform lives around the world by the creation and sharing of knowledge, and this project further extends our influence to a huge population in China, with the potential to bring huge benefits to patients.”
The agreement includes continuing clinical education and training for nurses, doctors and other health professionals. This could be extended to other areas of work conducted by SAMHIC members and would harness Scotland’s medical expertise, tradition of innovation, and experience of medical systems.