FPCCI and ICCD Host Landmark Medical Tourism Conference in Karachi

The event brought together leading medical

professionals, CEOs from the tourism sector

government officials, and parliamentarians

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), in collaboration with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD), organized a high-profile Medical Tourism Conference in Karachi. The event brought together leading medical professionals, CEOs from the tourism sector, government officials, and parliamentarians to explore Pakistan’s potential as a hub for medical tourism.

Medical Tourism: A Multi-Billion Dollar Global Opportunity

In his keynote address, FPCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted the immense potential of Pakistan’s medical sector, stating that Pakistani doctors are world-class and capable of earning significant foreign exchange. He pointed out that the global medical tourism market, currently valued at $144.5 billion, is expected to reach $700 billion by 2033.

Citing examples from countries like Türkiye, India, Iran, and China, he emphasized that Pakistan can also become a key player by leveraging its competitive pricing and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Mr. Magoon added that tourism contributes 10% to global GDP and supports over 330 million jobs worldwide.

Private Sector Leads the Way

Lt. Gen. Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat (Retd), MD of Green Tourism Pvt Ltd, discussed how rising healthcare costs and long wait times in developed countries have created demand for affordable, quality treatment abroad. He noted that countries offering a blend of healthcare and leisure tourism are attracting international patients in large numbers.

First-of-Its-Kind Conference in Pakistan

Former FPCCI President Mr. Zubair Tufail emphasized that this was Pakistan’s first private-sector-led medical tourism conference, live-streamed across OIC countries. He noted that ICCD has previously organized similar conferences in Türkiye and Iran, and now aims to spotlight Pakistan’s capabilities.

Industry Leaders Voice Support

Notable speakers included:

• Mr. Atif Hanif, President & CEO, AlBaraka Bank Pakistan
• Ms. Saima Agha, Parliamentary Secretary, Sindh
• Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO, Aga Khan University Hospital
• Dr. Habib-Ur-Rahman, Chairman, Shifa International Hospitals

All emphasized collaborative efforts to position Pakistan on the global medical tourism map through innovation, investment, and international partnerships.