ISLAMABAD (April 14, 2026) — The federal government has formally launched the Pakistan National Medical Tourism Initiative under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The announcement was made during the 30th Annual International Conference of the Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons (PAPS), signaling a major push to position the country as a regional hub for affordable, high-quality surgery.
Focus on surgical excellence
The initiative was introduced at a high-level scientific forum in Islamabad, which brought together over 400 delegates and experts from the UK, Germany, China, and Turkey. Led by the SIFC and senior health officials, the project aims to attract international patients by showcasing Pakistan’s expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, such as plastic surgery and non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
وفاقی وزیرِ صحت سید مصطفیٰ کمال کی زیرِ صدارت اہم اجلاس میں ٹیلی میڈیسن منصوبے کی شاندار کارکردگی پیش کی گئی۔
ابتدائی 3 ماہ میں اسلام آباد اور کراچی کے 8 مراکز پر کامیاب نفاذ کے ذریعے ہزاروں مریضوں کو جنرل اور اسپیشلسٹ سہولیات فراہم کی گئیں، جن میں گائناکالوجی، بچوں اور جلد کے… pic.twitter.com/vaAPNIhBSQ— Syed Mustafa Kamal (@KamalMQM) April 13, 2026
Strategic investment and leadership
The launch ceremony was attended by Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri and DG SIFC Maj Gen Asadur Rehman Cheema. During the event, the new leadership of PAPS took office, with Prof Dr Mazhar Nizam assuming the role of president. Officials emphasized that the goal is to utilize Pakistan’s specialized medical talent to generate foreign investment and enhance the country’s reputation in the global healthcare market.
Telemedicine progress in Karachi and Islamabad
In a related development, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met with the Sehat Kahani team to review a three-month telemedicine pilot project. The briefing revealed that digital health services have been successfully integrated into eight health centers across Islamabad and Karachi.
The project has served thousands of patients, with women making up 65 percent of the beneficiaries. By providing remote consultations with specialists in gynecology and pediatrics, the initiative saved patients an estimated Rs 8 million in travel and private consultation costs.
Strengthening global collaborations
The three-day conference concluded with a commitment to expand academic partnerships with international surgical bodies. By aligning local training with global trends in fat grafting, fillers, and advanced reconstructive surgery, the government hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem for medical tourism that benefits both the national economy and the local healthcare infrastructure.
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