ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan is going to launch an ambitious program to become a regional health hub, that, it believes, will fetch the government up to $10 billion in annual revenue within the next five years.
The initiative, developed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Health and Health Tourism Working Group, aims to attract patients from around the globe by offering quality medical treatment at comparatively lower costs.
The decision is part of the federal government’s broader efforts to promote health tourism to advance healthcare, tourism and national economic prosperity together.
Under the proposed plan, patients from other countries will be offered access to quality and affordable treatment facilities in Pakistan, while overseas Pakistanis will also be encouraged to seek medical care in the country.
According to the authorities, Pakistan has a significant cost advantage over several major healthcare markets.
Treatment costs up to 70% lower
According to Muhammad Arshad Khan, CEO of the Prime Minister Sehat Card, the cost of medical treatment in Pakistan is 60 to 70% lower than in Europe, the United States, Canada and Gulf countries.
He said this price advantage, combined with quality healthcare facilities, could make Pakistan an attractive destination for patients seeking affordable treatment.
The initiative is aimed at bringing patients from different parts of the world to Pakistan while strengthening the country’s healthcare and tourism sectors.
Visa policy for foreign patients
As part of efforts to attract foreign patients, the government plans to relax visa policies and introduce special facilities for international visitors seeking medical treatment.
The proposed measures are intended to make the process of travelling to Pakistan for healthcare easier and more convenient.
Arshad Khan said health tourism system will be fully digital on the model of the Prime Minister’s Health Card.
Pakistan has already started contacting Bangladesh and several other countries to explore opportunities for health tourism, according to Arshad Khan.
Pakistan sees Bangladesh a potentially significant market, as around 800,000 Bangladeshi patients spend $6 billion every year on treatment abroad.
Pakistan hopes to attract a portion of this medical spending by offering competitive costs and quality healthcare services.
Authorities believe that increased international patient arrivals could also boost pharmaceutical companies, hotels, airlines and the food industry, creating wider economic activity.
The government sees health tourism as a potential source of foreign exchange while simultaneously strengthening the country’s medical infrastructure and related service industries. The government expects to generate $10 billion annually within the next five years.
