Pakistan can earn $5bn from medical tourism in 5 years: global experts

KARACHI: Pakistan can earn up to $5 billion in the next five years by attracting at least 500,000 international patients if it establishes a structured healthcare tourism system and improves hospital infrastructure to meet global standards, international health tourism experts said on Friday.

Speaking at the Medical Tourism Conference 2025 held at the Expo Centre Karachi as part of the 22nd Health Asia International Exhibition and Conferences, Dr Emin Çakmak, Founding Chairman of the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council and Global Healthcare Travel Council, said “Pakistan is a great destination with world-class doctors and surgeons, rich culture, and affordable treatment options. What it needs is an institutional framework similar to Turkey’s Healthcare Travel Council to attract patients from around the world,” he said. “Turkey started this journey in 2005, and under the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, it is now number one in global healthcare tourism. We are ready to support Pakistan in establishing its healthcare travel industry.”

Dr Çakmak proposed the establishment of a Pakistan Healthcare Tourism Council to integrate tourism and healthcare, bring together hospitals, travel agencies, and marketing companies under one umbrella, and help Pakistan achieve international visibility.

He suggested Pakistan focus on specialised treatments such as cardiac surgery, orthopaedics, fertility treatments, and cosmetic and dental care, which already have strong expertise in the country. “The next step should be setting up dedicated medical tourism zones with accredited hospitals, hotels, and recovery centres, improving digital recordkeeping and hygiene standards, and promoting success stories of foreign patients treated in Pakistan,” he said.

Arshad Qaimkhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Sehat Sahulat Programme, announced formation of the Pakistan Healthcare Travel Council within a month to collaborate with global counterparts and promote healthcare tourism in Pakistan.