• +44 (0) 75 17633272
  • uk@sevenera.org

Medical Tourism in Pakistan: The Health Park Islamabad – A New Era in Global Healthcare

Medical Tourism in Pakistan: The Health Park Islamabad – A New Era in Global Healthcare


University Linkage Collaboration

Between Health Services Academy & Sevenera


What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for medical care. Patients often seek international treatment for reasons such as:

  • Lower costs than in their home country

  • Higher quality care or quicker access

  • Availability of specialized or experimental treatments not accessible at home

Common Procedures in Medical Tourism:

  • Cosmetic and plastic surgery

  • Dental care

  • Fertility treatments

  • Organ transplants

  • Cardiac and orthopedic surgeries

  • Wellness and rehabilitation

Why Do Patients Travel Abroad for Healthcare?

  • Affordable pricing

  • Shorter waiting times

  • Access to advanced technologies and top-tier specialists

  • Opportunity to combine medical care with leisure

Countries like Thailand, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Mexico, and now Pakistan are growing medical tourism destinations, offering high-quality healthcare at competitive prices.


The Rise of Medical Tourism in Pakistan

Why Pakistan?

Pakistan is emerging as a powerful player in the global medical tourism industry due to a blend of affordability, expertise, and infrastructure.

Major Strengths:

  • Cost-Effective Treatments: Many procedures cost up to 90% less than in the West. For example, IVF treatments in Pakistan range from $1,950 to $4,390, compared to $12,000+ in the U.S.

  • Internationally Trained Medical Professionals

  • Wide Range of Specialties: From cardiac surgery to fertility treatments

  • Modern Infrastructure: Facilities like Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex (Lahore) offer top-tier care

Challenges to Address:

  • Disparity in infrastructure between urban and rural areas

  • Need for stronger regulatory frameworks, especially around organ transplants

  • Security perceptions that require continuous improvement

Government’s Role

Pakistan’s government has recognized this potential. A medical tourism task force was established in 2010 to develop strategy and promote low-cost, high-quality healthcare for international patients.


Introducing: The Health Park Islamabad

A Game-Changer in Pakistan’s Healthcare Ecosystem

What is The Health Park?

Located in Islamabad, The Health Park is a landmark project aimed at positioning Pakistan as a leading hub for medical tourism and wellness. The project is a strategic collaboration between:

  • Health Services Academy (HSA)

  • Sevenera, an Omani real estate developer

This integrated complex will combine hospitals, diagnostics, research, elderly care, and wellness facilities in one world-class location.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Medical Services: Advanced hospitals, surgical units, diagnostic centers

  • Doctor’s Enclave: A dedicated community for resident medical professionals

  • International Collaboration: Engaged investors and diplomats, including from Uzbekistan

  • Prime Location: Close to Islamabad International Airport, within Pakistan’s capital city

Challenges:

  • Needs robust regulatory oversight to maintain global medical standards

  • Must ensure security and continuous infrastructure investment to attract international patients


Strategic Focus: Elderly Care for Europe

Why Europe?

European countries are facing a rapidly aging population and unsustainable elderly care costs. Monthly retirement home charges range from €1,500 to €6,000, creating a demand for high-quality, affordable alternatives.

Services for Elderly Patients at The Health Park:

  • Gated, secure care homes

  • 24/7 medical and nursing support

  • Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, dementia care

  • Holistic wellness programs including diet, prayer, and mental health

  • Peaceful community living near Islamabad Airport

Why Pakistan? Why The Health Park?

  • 70–80% lower cost compared to Europe

  • EU-standard trained medical staff

  • Tele-updates for overseas families

  • Culturally sensitive services, halal food, and spiritual care

  • Located in a safe, green zone near the capital

European Country Potential:

Country Challenge Opportunity
UK Monthly care home cost ~£4,100–£5,500 High-quality, low-cost care for British citizens
Germany System strained by aging population Pakistani-German expats may opt for affordable care in Pakistan
France Growing demand for personalized care Cultural alignment and tailored services at The Health Park
Spain Regional disparities in care quality Consistent, centralized services available in Islamabad
Italy Heavy reliance on informal caregivers Professional, structured care in a secure facility
Belgium Rising long-term care costs Financially viable care alternative in Pakistan
Netherlands System under pressure due to demand High-quality care at reduced cost
Sweden Average monthly cost €1,300 Cost-effective alternative with similar quality
Norway Unsustainable aging care expenses Competitive pricing with international standards
Denmark Financial pressure due to demographics Reliable and affordable elderly care abroad
Finland Rising costs for elder services Better value for care through The Health Park
Poland Lack of quality elder care options in rural regions Access to better facilities at lower costs
Hungary Inconsistent care services Comprehensive and affordable solutions
Luxembourg Among Europe’s highest care home costs (€305/day) Major cost savings through The Health Park
Switzerland High-quality but expensive elder care Cost-efficient without compromising on quality
Austria Financial burden from aging population Attractive alternative in a culturally respectful environment

Targeting the Middle East: Surgery & Specialized Treatments

Why the Middle East?

Middle Eastern countries, particularly the GCC nations, have increasing demands for surgical and chronic disease management, paired with rising healthcare costs and long public-sector wait times.

What The Health Park Offers:

Specialized Surgeries & Treatments:

  • Cardiac: Bypass, angioplasty, valve repair

  • Orthopedic: Joint replacement, trauma, spine

  • Bariatric & GI: Weight-loss surgery, hernia, gallbladder

  • Neurosurgery: Tumors, nerve decompression

  • Plastic & Reconstructive: Cosmetic, burn recovery

  • Urology: Kidney, prostate, dialysis

  • Organ Transplants: Kidney, liver (under ethical, regulated systems)

  • Gynecology: Laparoscopic, fertility-related procedures

  • ENT & Oncology: Thyroid, sinus, cancer surgeries

Why Pakistan? Why The Health Park?

  • 70–80% lower cost than Europe or GCC

  • Arabic-speaking staff and cultural familiarity

  • Fully-equipped tertiary care hospitals

  • Halal food, prayer spaces, and Islamic medical ethics

  • Direct flights from GCC capitals to Islamabad

Middle Eastern Country Potential:

Country Challenge Opportunity
Saudi Arabia Growing elderly population, limited specialist services Full-spectrum geriatric care at affordable prices
UAE High cost of long-term healthcare Nearby, cost-effective care with cultural alignment
Qatar High-quality care but expensive and limited in geriatric support Viable option for long-term elderly care
Kuwait Aging population straining local systems Reliable, expert care just hours away
Bahrain Shortage of elder care facilities Affordable, quality care in a familiar setting
Oman Limited geriatric care options Partner nation with shared development goals
Jordan Demand for specialized elder care Regional hub for personalized elderly services
Lebanon Economic crisis affecting healthcare quality Safe, cost-effective alternative abroad
Egypt Insufficient resources for aging population Better infrastructure and care services in Pakistan

Final Thoughts

With the launch of The Health Park Islamabad, Pakistan is stepping confidently into the future of global healthcare and medical tourism. By combining affordability, international standards, and cultural sensitivity, this project is poised to become a leading destination for both advanced medical procedures and elderly care.

Whether it’s a European retiree seeking compassionate care or a GCC citizen in need of advanced surgery, The Health Park delivers excellence — without the price tag.


Need Help? Chat with us