Overview
Pakistan’s healthcare sector, which is the responsibility of the provincial governments, is underfunded and resource constrained. The private sector plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s healthcare system, with most private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved.
Healthcare facilities in urban areas are generally better equipped and more modern than many public sector counterparts, leading to higher demand for private healthcare services. Meanwhile, the public health sector operates across federal, provincial, and district levels through an extensive network of rural health centers, basic health units, and allied health professionals, aiming to provide essential services across diverse regions.
In the fiscal year 2024, Pakistan’s government healthcare expenditure was approximately $3.2 billion, reflecting a gradual increase amid ongoing budgetary constraints. The medical devices market in Pakistan is estimated at around $700 million in 2025, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 12–15% over the next five years. U.S.-made healthcare services and medical equipment enjoy a strong reputation in Pakistan for their quality and reliability.
Pakistan allows foreign direct investment in healthcare services without restriction, fostering an open environment for international partnerships. Medical equipment imports are generally permitted, although the import of radioactive medical devices requires approval from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority. The import, registration, and regulation of medical devices and pharmaceutical products fall under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Manufacturers and importers must secure authorization from DRAP before bringing medical devices into the country, ensuring compliance with national safety and quality standards.
Leading Sub-sectors
With the growing population in Pakistan, the demand for diagnostic and lab equipment is increasing, and demand for the following is expected to grow:
- Monitors, Ventilators, and allied instruments
- Surgical instruments and dental implants
- Diagnostic and imaging equipment
- Orthopedic Appliances, Hearing Aids
- Refurbished X-Ray Machines, Dialysis Machines, Anesthesia Apparatus
- Health IT/Telemedicine/eHealth
Opportunities
Public sector expenditures in health facilities are progressive across the country. The following facilities are expected to grow:
- General Hospitals
- Specialized Hospitals
- Cancer
- Cardiac
- Kidney Transplant
- Liver Transplant
- Dialysis Centers
- Cardio-Pulmonary Diseases
- E.N.T
- Neurology
- Orthopedic
- Skin Diseases
- Upgrade and Privatization of Government Hospitals
- Diagnostics
- Diagnostic Labs
- X-Rays and Ultra- Sonography Labs / Clinics
- Fitness Centers
- Manufacturing
- Electro Medical Equipment
- Auto-disable Syringes/Safety Syringes
The construction of several private hospitals in Pakistan will also bring opportunities for medical device suppliers.
Opportunities
Challenges
Competitors include manufacturers from Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. In general, U.S. goods and technologies are well regarded and have a reputation for quality and reliability. Local agents note the market often favors low cost and quick decision-making on contractual terms, which can put American companies at a disadvantage.
Other market challenges include low healthcare manpower levels, after-sales service requirements, a lack of training on the use and maintenance of medical equipment – much equipment is poorly maintained or in disuse - and the underutilization of primary health facilities.