The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain has formalised a partnership with one of India’s most prominent medical and nursing college, Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, during a visit in February.

Representing RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine, accompanied by Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr Vikram Mathews, Director of CMC Vellore. The MoU establishes a framework for collaborative initiatives, including a medical and nursing student exchange programme, research collaboration, and the promotion of academic cooperation. 

The MoU was signed during a high-level visit to CMC Vellore by a distinguished delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by Dr Deepak Abraham, Chief of Medical Staff at American Mission Hospital, alongside Dr JV Peter, Medical Consultant at American Mission Hospital, Dr Azhar Ali Naseeb, Chief of Clinical Trial and CPD Regulation at the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), Professor Riyadh Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women and Dr Raed Alnimer, Dean of the Royal University for Women. 

Dr Mathews, commented on this occasion: “CMC Vellore has always stood for the promotion of education, service and research over 125 years of its existence. It gives us great pleasure to partner with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain in strengthening our mission.” 

Professor Nicholson expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to establish a collaboration with CMC Vellore, renowned for its medical and nursing education, research and clinical care. During my visit, I was impressed by the staggering scale of healthcare services at CMC Vellore, as well as their pioneering research in haematology, gastroenterology, intensive care, cardiology, neurology, radiology and oncology. We also extend our sincere thanks for the continued support by the Higher Education Council (HEC) in enabling this partnership, which will offer our students a unique learning experience, and we are excited to see the positive impact this collaboration will yield.” 

This partnership is a testament to RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s endeavour to expand its international collaboration framework for undergraduate elective opportunities, foster the exchange of evidence-based learnings in healthcare and enhance the student clinical and research experience.