Pakistan launches medical tourism initiative as global experts gather at plastic surgery conference
By Sadia Khan :
Pakistan has formally launched a national medical tourism initiative aimed at positioning the country as a regional hub for affordable and high-quality healthcare services.
The announcement was made during the 30th annual international conference of the Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons, held under the umbrella of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The initiative is intended to attract international patients seeking reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
The conference, organised by Prof Dr Abdul Khaliq Malik of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, brought together more than 400 delegates and 12 international faculty members despite ongoing regional tensions. It featured research presentations, advanced lectures and live surgical workshops, alongside sessions on non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers and fat grafting.
Prominent international experts attended the event, including Prof Dr Eva Maria of Germany and Prof Nick Wilson John of the United Kingdom, along with specialists from China, Egypt, Türkiye, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
Senior officials, including Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri and Director General SIFC Maj Gen Asadur Rehman Cheema, attended the event, underscoring the government’s focus on expanding Pakistan’s healthcare sector and attracting foreign investment.
During the conference, new leadership of the association was announced, with Prof Dr Mazhar Nizam assuming the role of president. Organisers also paid tribute to senior figures in the field for their contributions to surgical education and innovation in Pakistan.
The three-day event concluded with a commitment to enhance international collaboration and strengthen Pakistan’s profile in plastic surgery and medical innovation.
Separately, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met representatives of the Sehat Kahani initiative to review progress on telemedicine services.
The platform’s chief executive, Dr Sara Saeed Khurram, briefed the minister on a pilot project integrating telemedicine into basic health units in Islamabad and dispensaries in Karachi. The programme has been implemented across eight facilities, providing general and specialist consultations to thousands of patients.
According to officials, the initiative has improved access to healthcare, particularly for women, who accounted for around 65% of patients. Key services included gynaecology, paediatrics and dermatology, with the highest demand seen among children and working-age adults.
Authorities said the programme has also reduced costs, saving an estimated Rs8 million by cutting travel expenses and limiting the need for private consultations, while ensuring timely treatment and access to medicines.
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