Karachi – Chairman of the Non-Resident Pakistani (NRP) Organization Global Tourism Washington DC Group, Faheem Akhund, has said that by promoting medical tourism in Pakistan, the country can not only earn billions of dollars in foreign exchange but also enhance its global reputation.
He stated that overseas Pakistanis can save thousands of dollars by availing high-quality and affordable healthcare services in Pakistan. Faheem Akhund was addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.
Renowned ENT surgeon Dr. Qaiser Sajjad and Co-Chairman Medical Tourism Rasheed Godil also spoke to the media on this occasion. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Ajmal Mughal and others were also present.
Announcing a pilot project, Faheem Akhund said that Pakistan has the potential to secure a significant position in the €100 billion global medical tourism industry due to its internationally qualified medical professionals, modern healthcare facilities, and low-cost treatment options.
He added that Pakistan stands at a global opportunity threshold. “If we connect the investment of overseas Pakistanis with the expertise of local medical professionals, Karachi can become a hub for affordable, reliable, and world-class healthcare services,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, he noted, “Just as India, Turkey, and China earn billions of euros through medical tourism, Pakistan too can generate over $1.5 billion annually even by capturing just one percent of the global market.”
Highlighting Pakistan’s strengths, he pointed out that the cost of treatment in Pakistan is far lower compared to other countries. “For instance, a bypass surgery that costs around €250,000 in the U.S. can be performed in Pakistan for just $7,000 to $10,000,” he explained.
He further said Pakistan’s greatest advantage is the availability of immediate treatment, as patients in the U.S., U.K., or Canada often have to wait six months for surgery, whereas in Pakistan, appointments are available quickly, allowing timely treatment and recovery.
The pilot project “Karachi Medical Tourism and Insurance Initiative” aims to integrate hospitals, hotels, airlines, and insurance companies into a unified system to provide patients with comprehensive and secure healthcare services—from consultation to recovery.
The NRP Washington DC Group will also establish an NRP Medical Panel comprising Pakistani doctors based in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. These doctors will refer patients to Pakistan and promote transparency, cooperation, and trust through online consultations.
Dr. Qaiser Sajjad assured that foreign patients coming to Pakistan for treatment would face no security issues, as the organization would coordinate with law enforcement agencies to ensure safety.
He also highlighted that surgeries costing $300,000 abroad can be done in Pakistan for PKR 2.5 to 3 million, and transplants costing $1 million internationally can be performed for a fraction of that cost in Pakistan.
Rasheed Godil added that if Pakistan focuses on medical tourism, it could earn $1.5 billion annually, helping to strengthen the national economy and reduce dependence on foreign loans. He said countries like Turkey and China are already earning substantial revenue through this sector.
