December 21, 2017, by jicke

Government level agreement strengthens pharmacy education links with China

The University of Nottingham has strengthened its pharmacy education links with China with the signing of an agreement between the UK and China governments that will help expand its teaching and research with Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

At an event, hosted by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and attended by Professor Boli Zhang, President of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TUTCM), the Home Secretary and Yan Dong Liu (Deputy Primary Minister of P.R. China) officially recognized the collaboration between Nottingham and TUTCM as one of national level co-operation between the UK and China.

Strength to strength

The collaboration which was launched in 2015 is the first UK-China joint pharmacy course and has gone from strength to strength with student numbers almost doubling.

The five-year course involves students spending their third and fourth years studying in Nottingham where they complete their BSc in International Pharmacy, gaining a western perspective on medicine and drugs, clinical and commercial knowledge and patient safety from Nottingham experts. Years one, two and five are spent at TUTCM, with their final year in China taking place in practice in a hospital environment.

Underlines commitment

Professor Clive Roberts, Head of the School of Pharmacy said: “We’re delighted with the response to the joint course and how our relationship with TUTCM has flourished. The new course has provided a great opportunity for us to learn about potential new medicines and practices from China and this agreement just underlines our commitment to this area of teaching and research, which we plan to grow and expand significantly over the coming years.”

Delegations at the event held at the Chinese Embassy in London were brought from the business, academic, science and policy sectors to collaborate on health issues.

Agreements were signed between universities, hospitals, companies and academic councils. The ties will help share knowledge, expertise and resources to improve healthcare outcomes and practices in both countries.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Health is a key pillar in our relationship with China, and we must continue to work together to fight disease and improve health outcomes for all.

It is incredibly exciting to exchange ideas and knowledge with such an important partner. Our relationship is built on mutual trust and respect and this year’s dialogue has only strengthened our bond.”

Established in 1958, Tianjin is one of the oldest and best regarded universities of traditional Chinese medicine. It has a teaching hospital, combining traditional Chinese and western medicine, specialising in Gynaecological treatments and a research centre for rare diseases. Tianjin is located approximately 140 km south east of Beijing.

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