ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving to tap into the rapidly expanding $144 billion global medical tourism market with plans for a luxury healthcare facility in Islamabad aimed at attracting international patients.
The initiative is being developed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and private-sector partner MSK Group.
The proposed project will follow a three-phase model, beginning with premium “MSK Med Suites” before expanding into a dedicated Medical Tourism Centre and eventually an Islamabad Medical City.
Pakistan currently accounts for only around 0.5 percent of the global medical tourism market, despite offering qualified specialists and considerably lower treatment costs than several established destinations.
Competitive healthcare costs
The project will initially focus on areas where Pakistan can offer strong cost advantages, including cosmetic and plastic surgery, hair transplants, rhinoplasty and laser treatments.
According to the proposal, some procedures could cost around one-tenth of comparable treatments in Thailand and one-fifth of those in India.
MSK Group chief Dr Muhammad Salman Khan said around half of the centre’s patients are expected to come from overseas, particularly Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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The planned 25,000-square-foot luxury centre would combine specialised medical facilities with premium accommodation, offering international patients healthcare and hospitality services under one roof.
Packages could include airport transfers, accommodation and sightseeing opportunities for patients and accompanying family members, helping Pakistan benefit simultaneously from healthcare and tourism spending.
The project could also create new opportunities for foreign exchange earnings while supporting Pakistan’s healthcare, hospitality, transport and tourism sectors.
SIFC has asked MSK Group to prepare a comprehensive investment, commercial and financial feasibility model. It will also facilitate discussions with Islamabad’s leading five-star hotels to explore partnerships.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s growing efforts to diversify its services economy and position the country as a competitive and affordable international healthcare destination.
