Indo-Timor Medical Education Summit

chennai: the indo-timor medical education summit, held on 23rd july 2024 at hotel jaya pushpam in koyambedu, chennai, marked a new milestone in fostering educational collaboration between india and timor-leste. mariano assanami sabino, deputy prime minister, timor-leste, graced the event as the chief guest, with the nation's health minister, elia a.a. dos reis amara, also in attendance.the summit was organized by dr. raja thangappan and dr. islin j. baskar, directors, international operations, alongside dr. isaac baskar, advisor to the timor medical colleges unpaz and uct. the primary objective was to present timor-leste as a promising destination for indian medical aspirants seeking to pursue an mbbs degree. numerous educationists and educational consultants from the southern states of india participated in the summit.candida xiencs vieria, wife of deputy prime minister, lit the ceremonial lamp.inhis keynote address, the deputy prime minister highlighted the compatibility of timor-leste's medical curriculum with that of india, emphasizing the country's advanced infrastructure, serene environment, and commitment to equality. he extended a warm invitation to indian students to consider timor-leste for their medical education, underlining the nation's peaceful atmosphere and lack of racial discrimination.elia a.a. dos reis amara, health minister echoed these sentiments, pointing out the similar tropical climates of india and timor-leste, which result in comparable disease patterns. this similarity, she noted, would provide indian students with valuable clinical training opportunities.on the occasion, the deputy prime minister released a portuguese edition of a book on philippism written by former director general of police (dgp) dr. pradeep v philip, ips.participants felt the need for the summit, recognizing timor-leste as a viable and attractive option for indian students who may face challenges securing medical college admissions in their home country. the summit underscored the mutual benefits of this educational collaboration, promising a bright future for indo-timor academic exchanges.