Pakistan’s push to establish itself as a leading medical tourism destination gained significant momentum in February 2026, with two landmark events a national summit in Lahore and a high-level roundtable in Islamabad bringing together government, industry, and international partners around a shared vision.
The Lahore Summit:
The Medical Tourism Summit 2026, held at King Edward Medical University (KEMU), was organized in collaboration with Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRP) Washington DC and the National Health Chambers USA. The summit unveiled a Healthcare Corridor between Pakistan and the United States, designed to connect the Pakistani diaspora with affordable, high-quality medical services back home eliminating long waiting times and excessive costs.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayaz served as Chief Guest, with U.S. Consul General Mr. Stetson Saunders attending as Guest of Honor, reflecting strong bilateral interest in the initiative. Former Federal Minister for Health Dr. Saeed Elahi also participated as a distinguished guest.
Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayaz affirmed that Pakistan’s highly trained doctors and modern facilities position the country as a credible hub for international medical tourism. Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Chief Organizer, emphasized that the initiative was conceived to make quality Pakistani healthcare more accessible and convenient for overseas Pakistanis. Dr. Saeed Elahi noted that medical tourism could become a significant driver of economic growth and global confidence in Pakistan.
The corridor’s commitments include affordable treatment alternatives, elimination of long waiting periods, and internationally recognized standards of care covering cardiac surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, fertility treatments, and oncology, among other specialties.
The Islamabad Roundtable:
Building on the Lahore summit’s momentum, a high-level roundtable was held at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further strengthen Pakistan & USA medical tourism linkages. Khalid Sattar of the National Health Chambers USA and Shahid Janjua of Medik Tour delivered a comprehensive briefing followed by an open Q&A session. Discussions focused on cost-effective treatment for the diaspora without compromising international standards, with emphasis on pre & post procedural care, structured follow-ups, and access to second opinions from U.S.-based physicians.
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), confirmed that the Federal Government is actively advancing the medical tourism agenda. A high-level committee has been formed under the Ministry of IPC to develop a national action plan, and PTDC has extended its full support to private sector partner hospitals. Mr. Rana stressed that a well regulated medical tourism framework would generate substantial foreign exchange, enhance healthcare infrastructure, create new jobs, and position Pakistan as a credible and competitive destination on the global map.
The Economic Case:
Medical tourism is a multi-billion dollar global industry. Countries like Thailand, Turkey, India, and Malaysia have successfully built it into a pillar of their service economies. Pakistan, with its large and prosperous diaspora, holds a natural advantage a ready market already culturally connected to the destination. A thriving medical tourism sector would also elevate domestic healthcare standards, creating multiplier benefits across tourism, hospitality, and pharmaceutical sectors.
National Media Recognition:
The Lahore summit received wide coverage across nine national publications on 13 February 2026, reaching readers in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, and beyond. Coverage appeared in Daily Mirror, Daily Dunya News, Daily Tarjuman, Daily Siasat News, Akhbar Siasat, Qisat Pakistan, Daily Pakistan Youth, Daily Khuli Baat, and Voice of Truth Pakistan reflecting the national importance attached to this initiative across political, regional, and linguistic audiences.
A Movement with Momentum:
From the halls of King Edward Medical University to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan’s medical tourism drive has moved swiftly from aspiration to action. With government frameworks taking shape, bilateral partnerships forming, and diaspora demand clearly present, the foundations of a sustainable medical tourism industry are being laid with purpose and urgency. For Ainova Healthcare, these developments represent precisely the kind of progress we exist to spotlight a Pakistan ready to lead on the global health stage.
