- NRP Washington DC Group to integrate hospitals, airlines, and insurers for seamless medical travel experience
Conversation with Mr. Faheem Akhoond, Chairperson, NRP Global Tourism Initiatives
The NRP (Non-Resident Pakistanis) Washington DC Group, under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Shahab Qarni, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish Karachi as the Gateway of Medical Tourism in Pakistan. The announcement was made by Mr. Faheem Akhoond, Chairperson, NRP Global Tourism Initiatives and NRP team – Washington DC Group.
While taking to Pakistan & Gulf Economist, Mr. Faheem Akhoond emphasized that Pakistan, with its world-class medical professionals and cost-effective healthcare services, is poised to capture a significant share of the $100 billion global medical tourism industry.
We believe Pakistan stands at the edge of a global opportunity. By uniting overseas Pakistanis’ investment with domestic healthcare expertise, we can make Karachi the hub of affordable, trusted, and world-class medical services.
Mr. Akhoond further highlighted that while countries like India, Turkey, and China are already earning billions from medical tourism, Pakistan can generate over $1.5 billion annually even by capturing just one percent of the global market.
Pakistan’s healthcare strength lies in offering quality medical treatments at a fraction of international costs. For example, a bypass surgery that costs over $0.25 million in the US can be performed in Pakistan for just $ 7,000 to $10,000.
Mr. Akhoond also pointed out that one of Pakistan’s greatest advantages is quick access to treatment.
In countries like the US, the UK or Canada, patients often wait up to six months for a surgeon’s appointment. In Pakistan, appointments are available immediately, ensuring timely treatment and recovery.
Under the Pilot Project — Karachi Medical Tourism Model, the NRP Washington DC Group will integrate hospitals, hotels, airlines, and insurance companies to provide a seamless patient experience — from consultation to recovery. The project will serve as a national blueprint to expand medical tourism to other major cities like Lahore and Islamabad
The initiative also includes launching a dedicated medical tourism website, global awareness campaigns across social media, and partnerships with international travel and insurance companies to promote Pakistan’s healthcare capabilities worldwide. The NRP Washington DC Group will form an NRP Medical Panel comprising overseas doctors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. These doctors will refer patients to Pakistan and participate in online consultations, ensuring transparency, international collaboration, and trust.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Akhoond reaffirmed the mission’s broader vision:
“Medical tourism is not just an economic project — it is a mission to heal, connect, and elevate Pakistan’s image worldwide. Together, we can make Karachi the global gateway to health and hope.”
NRP Team:
Mr. Faheem Akhoond, Chairperson, NRP Global Tourism Initiatives – Washington DC Group
Mr. Abdul Rasheed Godil, Co- Chairman, Medical Tourism for Pakistan
Dr. Qaisar Sajjad, ENT Surgeon
Dr. Shahid Wahab, Eye Surgeon
Dr. Ajmal Mughal, Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Sona Mal, Professor of Forensic Medicine