Kolkata: The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom’s Health Education England to support skill development of healthcare professionals in Bengal and the UK. This comes at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is visiting England and Scotland to woo investors and intensify the long cherished bonding between the two countries. Prof. Ged Byrne, Director of Global Engagement at Health Education England and Prof. Krishnangshu Ray, Director of Institute of Health and Family Welfare of the state’s Health department, have signed the MoU at Swasthya Bhavan on Wednesday. Health Education England is an executive non-departmental public body of the UK Department of Health.
According to a communique, the initiative to sign the MoU was taken to “strengthen the collaborative relationship to support skill development of healthcare professionals in Bengal and the UK.”
The step has also been taken after “recognizing the common healthcare challenges the two countries face and as well as the value of learning in a global context”. The MoU will ensure sharing of expertise on education and training of healthcare professionals and review of existing educational programmes.
Following the review, there would be necessary steps to upgrade and develop the educational programmes. Educational materials will also be designed and created accordingly. Moreover, there will be support on development of quality frameworks and assessment and training of trainers. It may be mentioned that Health Education England is working to promote and facilitate global learning opportunities and international partnerships, enhancing skills and capabilities around the world.
According to officials, the MoU that establishes a collaboration of the Institute of Health and Family Welfare with Health Education England is a major step taken and it will be beneficial for both as there will be a continuous process of knowledge sharing. It may be mentioned that there will be further discussions on the issues and components related to skill development programmes of healthcare professionals in both Bengal and the UK. Appreciating the move, top officials of the state health department termed it as a historic step.
Edinburgh is the centre of education in the UK and people from all over the globe particularly from Asian countries go to Edinburgh to acquire lessons in medicine and surgery. “So it is expected that the MoU to support skill development of healthcare professions is going to be helpful,” the official maintained.
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