Prof. Gamal El-Saeed, Chair of Benha National University’s Board of Trustees, received a delegation from Nanjing Medical University, China, led by Prof. Wu Yongchuan, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Acupuncture and Tuina, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two institutions and to establish Egypt’s first academic program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The initiative marks a significant milestone in Egyptian–Chinese collaboration in medical education and research.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Sohair El-Sharawy, Vice Chair of Benha National University’s Board of Trustees; Prof. Tamer Samir, President of the University; Prof. Hussein El-Maghraby, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. Mahmoud Sakr, Advisor to the University for Research and Development; Prof. Ashraf El-Mashad, Director of Programs, Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Asmaa El-Bandrawy, Director of Programs, Faculty of Physical Therapy; Prof. Hazem Aliwa, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Mr. Ayman Bayoumi, Secretary-General of the University; and Prof. Nermeen Abou El-Kheir, Director General of Operations.
The Chinese delegation also included Prof. Xu Shipeng, Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Acupuncture; Prof. Wang Jianzhou, Associate Professor in the Department of Tuina; Prof. Zhang Jianhua, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; and Mr. Zhang Xu, Secretary of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.
Prof. Gamal El-Saeed stated that the visit builds on the cooperation protocol signed between the two universities and advances the implementation of the joint Traditional Chinese Medicine program and the establishment of a shared research laboratory. He emphasized the University’s commitment to expanding collaboration with distinguished international institutions in alignment with the strategy of Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to introduce innovative academic programs that respond to labor market needs and strengthen educational, scientific, and research partnerships worldwide.
He further underscored the importance of drawing on international experience, particularly that of Chinese universities, which successfully integrate centuries-old therapeutic traditions with advanced medical technologies in the fields of traditional and complementary medicine. He noted that cooperation with Nanjing Medical University will create new opportunities for Egyptian researchers to explore Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques and methodologies in line with global trends in healthcare, prevention, and treatment.
Prof. El-Saeed explained that the joint program and research laboratory will be based at Benha National University’s main campus in El Obour City and are intended to advance education and the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine across Egypt and the Middle East. The initiative will prepare highly qualified specialists in advanced medical fields and further the University’s mission to graduate professionals capable of competing at both regional and international levels.
Prof. Sohair El-Sharawy noted that the meeting reflects the University’s vision of positioning itself as an innovative and forward-looking institution that embraces global developments and specialized international experiences. She added that the initiative is particularly significant as the first collaboration of its kind in Egypt between an Egyptian university and a Chinese university specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Prof. Tamer Samir described the initiative as the beginning of a promising strategic partnership that will support academic specialization, professional training, and knowledge exchange, while preparing a new generation of specialists qualified to work within an integrated medical framework that combines established traditions with modern scientific practice.
He added that Benha National University will provide faculty members, teaching facilities, offices, laboratories, and student accommodation, while Nanjing Medical University will contribute curricula, academic supervision, and faculty training aligned with community and labor market needs. The new program will offer a range of specializations in Traditional Chinese Medicine and will lead to a bachelor’s degree after five years of study.
Members of the Chinese delegation expressed their appreciation for the partnership and for the launch of Egypt’s first Traditional Chinese Medicine program. During their visit, they toured the University’s campus, including the administrative building, university theater, academic buildings, laboratories, clinics, and lecture halls, where they reviewed the advanced educational and technological infrastructure available to students and researchers.
The delegation also commended the University’s facilities in El Obour City, noting that they have been designed in accordance with the latest international architectural standards and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that meet global benchmarks for higher education, scientific research, and institutional quality.