The delegation comprised Dr. Mohammed Jaber, Medical Director of An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH); Dr. Shadi J. Khelfa, Director of the Department of Medicine; Ms. Summer Abu Mughli, Coordinator of Partnerships and Global Initiatives; and Dr. Mohammed Alahmad, An-Najah’s representative in Tunisia.

The visit commenced with a meeting with Prof. Ihab Labban, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tunis El Manar, and members of the faculty council. Discussions centered on facilitating a month-long clinical training program for An-Najah’s medical and health sciences students at leading Tunisian hospitals. The program will provide hands-on training in key medical disciplines, including surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics, under the supervision of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tunis El Manar and the Tunisian Ministry of Public Health. The students will be placed in various hospital departments, where they will gain practical experience under the mentorship of specialized physicians, allowing them to engage directly with diverse medical cases in alignment with the latest global medical education standards.

The two institutions also explored avenues for expanding academic cooperation, including student and faculty exchange programs and the development of specialized training programs in medical and scientific fields, aiming to enrich clinical and research expertise for both parties.

The visit included field tours to several hospital departments in Tunisia to assess the level of advanced healthcare services and to engage in discussions with department heads on strategies for developing joint training programs for Palestinian doctors. These meetings culminated in agreements to facilitate the exchange of expertise between Palestinian and Tunisian medical institutions, fostering the professional development of medical practitioners and contributing to the enhancement of healthcare services.

A key highlight of the visit was a meeting with H.E. Prof. Mustapha AlFerjani, the Tunisian Minister of Health, who warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the significant contributions of Palestinian doctors trained in Tunisia, referring to them as “ambassadors of Tunisian medicine.” He also announced the establishment of a twinning partnership between An-Najah Teaching Hospital and Tunisian hospitals, enabling future clinical training opportunities for Palestinian doctors under advanced training programs.

In the realm of academic collaboration, the delegation engaged in discussions with the board of the University of Tunis El Manar, resulting in a mutual agreement to expand joint initiatives, including research collaborations, student exchange programs, and the organization of joint lectures and scientific conferences—advancing the shared vision of both universities in medical and research education.

Additionally, the delegation met with H.E. Mr. Mondher Belaid, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with the Tunisian Higher Education Council. Minister Belaid reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to academic and research cooperation with An-Najah National University, ensuring that Tunisian universities remain open to Palestinian students and faculty. He highlighted that this partnership reflects Tunisia’s steadfast support for Palestinian academia, fostering resilience and enhancing scientific and professional capacities.

During the visit, the delegation also met Dr. Bara’ Al-Bustami, a resident physician at An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH), who is currently specializing in dermatology and venereology at Hôpital Charles Nicolle in Tunis, affiliated with the University of Tunis El Manar. Dr. Al-Bustami shared his experience in Tunisia, describing it as an exceptional professional journey, particularly in dermatology, owing to the diverse range of medical cases, the high patient volume, and the rigorous adherence to international medical standards. He also emphasized the strong emphasis on scientific research, innovation, and continuous professional development within the Tunisian medical training system.

The visit concluded with a formal reception at the Palestinian Embassy in Tunisia, where the delegation was welcomed by embassy officials. The delegation expressed their deep appreciation for the embassy’s pivotal role in supporting and facilitating academic cooperation between Palestine and Tunisia. They extended their gratitude for the continuous efforts in fostering bilateral academic and medical collaboration, which significantly contributed to the success of the visit and the strengthening of ties between the two nations.