Between Health Services Academy & Sevenera
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
Cosmetic and plastic surgery
Dental care
Fertility treatments
Organ transplants
Cardiac and orthopedic surgeries
Wellness and rehabilitation
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.
Pakistan is emerging as a powerful player in the global medical tourism industry due to a blend of affordability, expertise, and infrastructure.
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
Disparity in infrastructure between urban and rural areas
Need for stronger regulatory frameworks, especially around organ transplants
Security perceptions that require continuous improvement
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.
A Game-Changer in Pakistan’s Healthcare Ecosystem
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.
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
Needs robust regulatory oversight to maintain global medical standards
Must ensure security and continuous infrastructure investment to attract international patients
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.
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
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
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 |
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.
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
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
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 |
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.