Is Pakistan Ready to Become Health Tourism Hub?
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has begun preparations to position itself as a regional destination for health tourism, with authorities working on a plan aimed at attracting foreign patients through comparatively affordable treatment and improved facilities.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Health and the Health Tourism Working Group have jointly prepared a strategy to promote medical tourism in the country.
Under the proposed plan, international patients would be offered access to medical treatment in Pakistan at costs significantly lower than those in Europe, the United States, Canada and Gulf countries.
Authorities are also considering easing visa procedures for foreign patients and introducing special facilities to make travelling to Pakistan for medical treatment more convenient.
CEO of Prime Minister Sehat Card Muhammad Arshad Khan said Pakistan’s lower treatment costs could provide the country with an opportunity to attract patients from abroad while expanding its healthcare sector.
The initiative would also target overseas Pakistanis, who could benefit from access to affordable medical services during visits to the country.
According to officials, promoting health tourism could generate economic activity while supporting the development of healthcare and tourism sectors.
The proposed initiative seeks to combine healthcare, tourism and investment opportunities, with the broader objective of establishing Pakistan as a competitive health tourism destination in the region.
