Sindh, Türkiye to enhance cooperation in healthcare, medical tourism; doctor exchange and joint research agreed
Adnan Athar
Karachi Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho held an important meeting with the Consul General of Türkiye, during which both sides discussed expanding cooperation in the health sector, including medical tourism, advanced medical equipment, radiology systems, transplants, surgeries and capacity-building of doctors.
Dr Pechuho said that major treatments, including kidney and liver transplants, are being carried out at government hospitals in Sindh with high standards and at significantly lower costs as compared to Türkiye. She invited Turkish citizens to benefit from Pakistan’s medical facilities. She added that the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is among the best cardiac care institutes in the world, offering free treatment to heart patients, while state-of-the-art ventilators and incubators are also available for children in public hospitals.
The Turkish Consul General expressed strong interest in collaborating with Sindh in the health sector and said that Türkiye could support Pakistan in specialised surgeries. He said he is in contact with medical software and machinery providers willing to bring technology to Pakistan. Dr Pechuho said that if Turkish companies supply their medical equipment, the Sindh government would pay treatment costs under a mutually beneficial model.
Both sides agreed to initiate doctor exchange programmes, strengthen hospital capacity and expand cooperation in research and training.
Dr Pechuho further stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan are still facing the threat of poliovirus. From 17 to 29 November, a measles–rubella and polio vaccination campaign is underway, followed by a major polio campaign in December to vaccinate millions of children. She said polio workers serve with immense dedication and sacrifice, and their safety will be ensured by the state. Polio is a dangerous virus that weakens muscle function and can paralyse the respiratory system, she noted, adding that efforts will continue until its complete eradication as it concerns the future generations of the country.
It was agreed that Pakistan and Türkiye will move forward together in public health, medical technology, surgery, radiology, vaccination and healthcare investment, and will soon launch new joint initiatives. The Turkish Consul General assured to take the details of the meeting to the Turkish government to further enhance cooperation. He also invited Dr Azra Pechuho to attend Türkiye’s National Day celebrations. Dr Pechuho presented a gift to the Consul General on the occasion.
