Enhancing Medical Ties: China and Pakistan's Healthcare Future
Pakistan’s healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, creating significant opportunities for medical collaboration with China. Ma Jian, the representative of the Sichuan Liaison Office of the China-Pakistan Business Council, recently emphasized this potential at the 'Cross-Border Medical Tourism' roundtable during the 2024 World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare (Boao) Forum in Haikou, China. He noted that the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and contemporary medical advancements positions China, particularly Hainan, as an attractive destination for Pakistani patients seeking high-quality healthcare at competitive rates.
China's advanced medical technologies, including pioneering drugs and traditional healing practices, offer unique benefits. Ma Jian highlighted innovations such as stem cell therapy and gene therapies, which hold substantial promise for international patients. He underscored the increasing global acceptance of TCM and its expanding presence in Pakistan, citing successful products like Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid and Lianhua Qingwen capsules, which are gaining traction for their therapeutic benefits.
Despite the burgeoning global medical tourism market, worth over US$600 billion last year, the partnership between Pakistan and China remains nascent. Ma Jian called for enhanced collaboration in the medical services and pharmaceuticals sectors, advocating for a broader range of treatments in Pakistani TCM clinics. This expansion could significantly enrich the healthcare experience for patients by incorporating therapies like physiotherapy and hot compresses.
Furthermore, he noted that Chinese advancements in biotechnology present immense opportunities for Pakistani companies to innovate and improve healthcare access. Establishing robust legal frameworks, simplifying visa processes, and improving service quality—particularly language proficiency—are crucial for facilitating seamless cross-border healthcare experiences. As inquiries from Pakistani patients about treatments in China rise, addressing these challenges becomes increasingly vital for both nations.