SIFC-backed proposal aims to establish a luxury medical tourism model in Islamabad and help Pakistan capture a larger share of the global healthcare market.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving to position Islamabad as a potential medical tourism destination as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) advances plans for the country’s first luxury medical tourism model centre.
The proposed project is designed to tap into a global medical tourism industry estimated at around $144 billion, while Pakistan currently holds only a small share of the international market. Officials and medical professionals believe the country could become more competitive by combining lower treatment costs with qualified specialists and high-end hospitality.
The initiative gained momentum after plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Muhammad Salman Khan approached the SIFC Secretariat for up to 25,000 square feet of land or a suitable built-up facility. His proposal calls for a five-star medical centre with scope for future expansion.
According to the proposal presented to officials, cosmetic surgery and dentistry represent a significant portion of global medical tourism. Pakistan could potentially attract international patients by offering specialised procedures at substantially lower costs than several established medical tourism destinations, including Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The SIFC held a high-level meeting on Aug. 5 involving representatives of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Jinnah Medical Complex and medical professionals. Dr. Salman outlined a phased development model beginning with premium “Med Suites,” followed by a dedicated medical tourism centre and, eventually, a broader Islamabad Medical City.
Officials identified Islamabad’s security environment, scenic setting, residential infrastructure and access to qualified healthcare professionals as potential advantages. The presence of a large overseas Pakistani community was also viewed as an opportunity to establish an initial customer base.
The proposed model would combine specialised healthcare with luxury accommodation and hospitality services for patients and accompanying family members.
The CDA has been directed to arrange a follow-up meeting with relevant stakeholders, while medical experts have been asked to prepare investment, commercial and financial feasibility studies for the project at Jinnah Medical Complex.
The SIFC will also facilitate discussions between medical specialists and major five-star hotels in Islamabad to assess commercial interest and the feasibility of dedicated medical tourism facilities.
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