KARACHI, Dec 22: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was initialled by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization (KIMS) on Monday under which the two will collaborate and cooperate to improve the standard of medical education in the two countries.

The MoU, which came into force immediately, also envisaged mutual recognition and accreditation of training and qualifications awarded by the two institutions, according to the agreement documents obtained by Dawn.

Under the agreement, a board of medical education will be created by the two institutions. This board will identify centres of excellence in different specialities for exchange of trainees. The body will also lay down the minimum standards of education and specialization.

Under the agreement, the CPSP and KIMS will obtain membership or observer status of relevant professional bodies, both regional and international; initiate the necessary measures for the advancement of collaborative research and development, academic activities and exchange of information; initiate reciprocal recognition of CME/CPD activities and credits; and, exchange of examiners for their respective examinations, as required on mutually agreed terms and conditions.

Meanwhile, according to a senior official of the CPSP, the college wanted to remain engaged in all the Middle Eastern countries, Kenya, China and Tanzania, besides East Africa. It sought to increase the number of examination centres in Central Asia and Afghanistan too, he said.