Karachi: Türkiye has offered to help Pakistan develop its healthcare tourism industry, saying the country can earn up to $5 billion within five years by attracting at least 500,000 international patients if it establishes a structured healthcare tourism system and upgrades hospital infrastructure to global standards.
Speaking at the Medical Tourism Conference 2025 held at the Expo Centre Karachi as part of the 22nd Health Asia International Exhibition and Conferences, Emin Çakmak, Founding Chairman of the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council and Global Healthcare Travel Council, said Türkiye has emerged as the world’s leading healthcare tourism destination by attracting two million patients and earning over $20 billion by September 2025 alone.
“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 Türkiye’s Healthcare Travel Council to attract patients from around the world,” he said.
“Türkiye started this journey in 2005, and under the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it is now number one in global healthcare tourism. We are ready to support Pakistan in establishing its healthcare travel industry.”
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. “We will invite Pakistan’s healthcare tourism council to join the Global Healthcare Travel Council, so it becomes part of the international network,” he added.
He suggested that Pakistan focus on specialized treatments such as cardiac surgery, orthopedics, fertility procedures, and cosmetic and dental care, where the country already has strong expertise.
“The next step should be setting up dedicated medical tourism zones with accredited hospitals, hotels, and recovery centers, 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 Program, announced that the Pakistan Healthcare Travel Council will be established within a month to collaborate with global counterparts and promote healthcare tourism in the country.
“Pakistan has some of the best physicians and healthcare professionals in the world. What we need now are world-class hospitals and international marketing to attract patients. With our hospitality, scenic destinations, and affordability, we can truly promote the slogan ‘Heal in Pakistan,’” he said.
Qaimkhani added that the government would work with both the public and private sectors to develop infrastructure, accreditation systems, and regulatory frameworks to build international patient confidence.
Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, CEO of the Sindh Healthcare Commission, said Pakistan has excellent healthcare professionals but lacks internationally accredited hospitals that inspire trust among foreign patients. “Patients will only come to Pakistan when they see hospitals meeting global standards of care. We must begin with international accreditations and strong regulatory oversight,” he said.
Healthcare management expert and digital health leader Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed said Pakistan can learn from Türkiye’s coordinated model that brought together health authorities, private hospitals, and travel agencies. “Türkiye made medical tourism a national agenda supported by the government, industry, and community. Pakistan must adopt the same model to compete globally,” he said.
Mariya Afsar Nazari, Secretary General of the European Health and Medical Tourism Association and founder of MariaCares Sweden AB, emphasized the need for strong global branding and outreach. “Launching social media and digital campaigns, partnering with travel and insurance companies abroad, and showcasing success stories of foreign patients will help Pakistan position itself as a trusted healthcare destination,” she said.
She added that improving emergency response systems, hygiene, and digital recordkeeping is essential to make international patients feel safe and confident about seeking care in Pakistan.
The conference, chaired by Arshad Qaimkhani, brought together international and national experts, including representatives from the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council, Rehman Medical Institute, Aga Khan Hospitals, and the Sindh Healthcare Commission.
Speakers agreed that Pakistan has the medical talent and cost advantage to become a major healthcare tourism destination in South Asia, but it must invest in infrastructure, accreditation, and destination branding to compete with countries like Türkiye, Thailand, and India.
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