Pakistan launches national medical tourism initiative to attract international patients

Pakistan has formally launched its National Medical Tourism Initiative, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for affordable and quality healthcare services. The announcement was made during the annual international conference of the Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons (PAPS) held in Islamabad, where senior government officials, medical experts, and international delegates participated.

The initiative is designed to attract foreign patients seeking cost-effective medical treatment without compromising on quality. Authorities believe Pakistan’s growing pool of skilled doctors, expanding private healthcare sector, and comparatively lower treatment costs can make it a competitive destination for medical tourism in South Asia and beyond.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Secretary Health Aslam Ghori, representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and several prominent national and international medical professionals. Officials stated that the initiative will help streamline medical visa facilitation, improve hospital accreditation standards, and promote partnerships between Pakistani and foreign healthcare institutions.

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International experts present at the event welcomed the initiative. Dr Khalid Sami from Egypt appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and expressed interest in future collaboration, while Professor Dr Muazzam Tarrar from the United Kingdom praised the conference’s organization and described it as a significant step forward for the country’s healthcare outreach.

Government officials highlighted that the SIFC is playing a key role in promoting investment, global partnerships, and modernization within Pakistan’s healthcare sector. They emphasized that medical tourism can become a major source of foreign exchange earnings while also improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure through international exposure and standards.

Experts noted that with proper regulation, marketing, and facility upgrades, Pakistan could attract a growing number of patients from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, particularly for elective and specialized treatments such as cosmetic surgery, cardiac procedures, and fertility care.