The Role of Unani Medicine, Karachi and Lahore's Healthcare Infrastructure, and the Emergence of a Regional ECO Hub
1. Strategic Outlook and the Status of Medical Tourism in Pakistan
In recent years, Pakistan has focused on developing its healthcare infrastructure, improving investment attraction policies, and upgrading medical service capacities to strengthen its position in the growing medical tourism market. This trend is driven within the framework of macro-governmental policies and bodies like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
According to recent market estimates, the global medical tourism industry was valued at approximately $34 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach around $126 billion by 2035, expanding at an annual growth rate of about 14%. These figures represent a steady yet highly competitive global growth trajectory.
Within this framework, Pakistan aims to capture a share of this regional market by leveraging competitive treatment costs, a vast human resource pool, and its geopolitical position. However, multi-billion-dollar revenue estimates in this sector remain developmental scenarios and policy targets rather than official forecasts by international financial institutions.
2. Karachi: The Core Healthcare Hub and International Gateway
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic powerhouse, plays a pivotal role in developing advanced healthcare services and attracting foreign patients. The city hosts a network of advanced private and public hospitals that deliver a critical portion of the country's specialized services.
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
As one of South Asia's most prestigious medical centers, AKUH holds the international Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and offers highly specialized and sub-specialized services.
- International Support: The center features a dedicated international patient management system, telemedicine facilities, and comprehensive medical support services.
- Capacity: Its operational capacity is reported as over 500 beds across various sources, while higher figures generally refer to future expansion plans.
Other Healthcare Facilities in Karachi
Prominent centers like the NICVD and advanced private hospitals provide specialized care in cardiology, surgery, and intensive care. Nevertheless, Pakistan's medical technology infrastructure remains centrally and unevenly developed, leaving a significant gap between it and global medical hubs.
3. Lahore: The Historical and Educational Hub of Pakistan’s Healthcare
Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest metropolis and the academic capital of Punjab province, plays an essential role in medical education and the delivery of public and specialized healthcare services.
Mayo Hospital and King Edward Medical University
Founded in 1871, Mayo Hospital is one of the largest public healthcare facilities in Pakistan, operating under the management of King Edward Medical University.
- Facilities: The center features specialized departments for surgery, intensive care (ICU), burns, and numerous specialized clinics.
- Impact: It plays a vital role in delivering affordable, cost-effective healthcare services to a vast population.
4. Unani Medicine: A Complementary Capacity in the Healthcare System
Traditional Unani medicine (Tibb-e-Unani) in Pakistan operates under a clear legal framework and an official regulatory body known as the National Council for Tibb. Established under a 1965 Act, this framework governs formal education, the licensing of practitioners (Hakims), and the enforcement of professional standards.
The Role of Hamdard University
Located in Karachi, Hamdard University is a premier center for education, research, and the manufacturing of herbal medicines in Pakistan, playing a key role in the advancement of Unani medicine.
World Health Organization (WHO) Perspective: The WHO recognizes traditional medicine as a complementary component of healthcare systems. However, the organization emphasizes the ongoing need for rigorous scientific evaluation and broader clinical trials for most traditional treatments.
5. Facilitating Foreign Patient Entry and Support Infrastructure
To facilitate the entry of international patients, Pakistan has recently implemented several initiatives, including:
- Developing dedicated medical visa pathways.
- Establishing healthcare service desks at border crossings.
- Expanding telemedicine networks.
- Fostering regional cooperation through health corridors.
Note: These measures are still in the developmental phase and require comprehensive standardization to effectively compete with established destinations like Turkey and Malaysia.
6. Human Resources and Structural Challenges
Pakistan produces approximately 15,000 to 18,000 medical and dental graduates annually, representing a substantial human resource capacity for the country's healthcare system according to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Based on World Bank data, the physician-to-population ratio in Pakistan stands at approximately 1 to 1.1 doctors per 1,000 people.
Key Challenges:
- Shortage of international-standard healthcare infrastructure.
- Weak global branding in the medical tourism sector.
- Limited integration with international health insurance providers.
- Absence of a centralized authority to manage and promote medical tourism.
7. Pakistan's Position within the ECO Framework
Owing to its strategic geographical location, competitive treatment costs, and cultural ties, Pakistan possesses the potential to serve as a regional healthcare bridge within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Provided it upgrades its international standards and builds solid trust among foreign patients, Pakistan is well-positioned to become an emerging destination for regional medical tourism.
Final Conclusion
Pakistan is transitioning from an internally focused healthcare system toward becoming an active player in the regional medical tourism market. This transformation rests on three pillars:
- Infrastructure development in Karachi and Lahore.
- A vast human resource pool in the medical field.
- The complementary role of Unani medicine within the national healthcare framework.
Ultimately, Pakistan can be characterized as a high-potential, emerging market within the ECO region's medical tourism sector—one whose long-term growth trajectory hinges heavily on structural reforms and international standardization.