Karachi: Medical facilities across Pakistan require urgent upgrading to prevent patients from traveling to India for treatment, according to Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP). Shakoor emphasized the need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure within the country, following recent tensions between India and Pakistan that led to Pakistani patients being sent back from Indian hospitals.

Shakoor criticized the expulsion of Pakistani patients from India as unethical and stressed the importance of developing domestic healthcare services to provide quality treatment locally. He called on the government to establish centers of excellence in surgical care, noting that many patients seek such treatments abroad. Despite having a population of 250 million, Pakistan lags in medical services compared to less populous nations.

The PDP Chairman highlighted the economic benefits of improving medical facilities, including saving foreign exchange and boosting medical tourism. He proposed offering interest-free loans for establishing advanced medical centers and urged policymakers to prioritize national interests over personal medical tours abroad.

Shakoor also pointed out the potential for growth in biomedical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry, which could enhance export opportunities. He recommended reducing tuition fees for medical students and improving facilities in medical colleges to train more local experts.

In a call to action, Shakoor urged federal and provincial health ministers to ensure the establishment of at least one teaching hospital in every district. This initiative would help deliver better healthcare services to communities nationwide and support the development of a robust national medical workforce.