Pakistan’s healthcare system is a dynamic blend of public, private, and charitable institutions, each striving to meet the diverse medical needs of its 240 million citizens. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the remote villages of Balochistan, Hospitals In Pakistan play a vital role in providing essential care, advanced treatments, and hope to millions. With challenges like resource constraints and a growing demand for specialized services, hospitals are evolving to offer everything from emergency trauma care to cutting-edge surgeries. This comprehensive guide explores the List of Hospitals in Pakistan, detailing their services, doctors, and significance, helping readers navigate the healthcare landscape to make informed choices. Whether you’re seeking the Best Hospital in Pakistan or exploring Hospital names in Pakistan, this article offers valuable insights.
Pakistan’s Healthcare Landscape and Public Needs
Pakistan’s healthcare system reflects the country’s socio-economic diversity, balancing advanced facilities in urban centers with limited resources in rural areas. With only 0.5-0.8% of GDP allocated to health, public hospitals face significant pressure, serving 70% of the population who rely on subsidized care. Private hospitals, meanwhile, cater to those who can afford premium services, creating a two-tiered system. Rural residents, like a farmer in rural Punjab needing cardiac care, often travel hours to reach a Top 10 hospital in Pakistan in Lahore or Karachi, highlighting accessibility challenges.
Economic disparities shape healthcare choices. For instance, a daily wage earner in Karachi might visit Civil Hospital for free treatment, while a business professional opts for Aga Khan University Hospital’s advanced diagnostics. Despite these challenges, hospitals offer a lifeline, addressing needs from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. The Best Hospital in Pakistan is often defined by its ability to serve diverse populations, with public facilities like Mayo Hospital and private ones like Shifa International leading the way.
Types of Hospitals in Pakistan
Pakistan’s hospital ecosystem is diverse, catering to various needs through distinct models:
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Public/Government Hospitals: Funded by federal or provincial governments, these provide free or low-cost care. They handle high patient volumes but face issues like overcrowding and limited resources. Examples include Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Mayo Hospital, known for trauma and general care.
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Private Hospitals: These offer advanced technology, specialized care, and patient comfort at a higher cost. They cater to middle and upper-income groups, with facilities like Aga Khan University Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital leading in Top 10 private hospitals in Pakistan.
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Charitable/Trust Hospitals: Supported by donations, these provide affordable or free care. Indus Hospital and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital are notable for serving underprivileged patients with quality care.
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Specialized Hospitals: Focused on specific fields like cardiology or oncology, these include public and private facilities like the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology.
Each type addresses unique needs, from free emergency care in public hospitals to specialized cancer treatment in charitable facilities, shaping the List of private hospitals in Pakistan and public options.
Top Hospitals of Pakistan
Selecting the Top 10 hospital in Pakistan involves criteria like patient volume, bed capacity, specialized services, doctor expertise, and reputation. Below is a curated list of leading hospitals, combining public, private, and charitable facilities, addressing Top 10 largest hospital in Pakistan and Pakistan biggest Hospital list where applicable.
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Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi
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Type: Private, Teaching
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Established: 1985
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Location: Stadium Road, Karachi
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Services: Cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, transplant programs (kidney, liver, bone marrow), pediatrics, and maternity. Offers advanced diagnostics (MRI, PET-CT) and robotic surgery.
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Notable Features: With 700 beds, AKUH is a leader in Top 10 private hospitals in Pakistan. It’s JCI-accredited, known for international standards, and trains doctors through its medical college. Patients praise its clean facilities and expert staff.
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Example: A Karachi executive received life-saving liver transplant surgery at AKUH, highlighting its advanced capabilities.
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Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore
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Type: Charitable, Specialized (Oncology)
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Established: 1994
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Location: Johar Town, Lahore
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Services: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, palliative care, and cancer research. Offers free treatment to 75% of patients.
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Notable Features: A 195-bed facility, it’s a global leader in cancer care, with a second hospital in Peshawar and a third under construction in Karachi. Known for cutting-edge technology like linear accelerators.
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Example: A cancer patient from Multan received free chemotherapy, easing financial burdens.
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Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi
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Type: Public, Teaching
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Established: 1958
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Location: Rafiqui Shaheed Road, Karachi
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Services: General medicine, surgery, trauma care, orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics. Includes specialized units like the CyberKnife for cancer treatment.
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Notable Features: With 1,650 beds, JPMC is among the Top 10 largest hospital in Pakistan by bed capacity. It serves millions annually, offering free care and training medical professionals.
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Example: A motorbike accident victim in Karachi was stabilized in JPMC’s trauma center, showcasing its emergency expertise.
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Mayo Hospital, Lahore
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Type: Public, Teaching
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Established: 1871
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Location: Hospital Road, Lahore
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Services: General surgery, cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, ENT, and ophthalmology. Offers extensive OPD and inpatient services.
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Notable Features: With over 2,300 beds, it’s a contender for Largest hospital in Pakistan by area and bed count. Affiliated with King Edward Medical University, it’s a hub for medical education.
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Example: A Lahore family relied on Mayo’s pediatric ward for their child’s treatment, appreciating its affordability.
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Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad
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Type: Public, Teaching
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Established: 1985
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Location: G-8/3, Islamabad
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Services: Cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, burn care, and maternal health through its Children’s Hospital and Mother & Child Health Centre.
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Notable Features: A 1,200-bed facility, PIMS is a federal leader in healthcare and medical training, serving the twin cities and beyond.
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Example: A stroke patient from Rawalpindi received timely care at PIMS, highlighting its neurological expertise.
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Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
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Type: Private
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Established: 1993
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Location: H-8/4, Islamabad
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Services: Transplant programs (liver, kidney), cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics. Offers advanced diagnostics and robotic surgery.
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Notable Features: A 550-bed hospital, it’s a top choice in Top 10 private hospitals in Pakistan, known for international affiliations and high patient satisfaction.
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Example: A patient from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underwent successful kidney transplant surgery at Shifa.
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Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), Karachi
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Type: Private, Trust
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Established: 1958
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Location: Stadium Road, Karachi
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Services: General surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and rehabilitation. Includes a medical college and nursing school.
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Notable Features: With 700 beds, LNH balances quality and affordability, making it a key player in List of private hospitals in Pakistan.
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Example: A Karachi resident received affordable orthopedic surgery at LNH, praising its care quality.
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Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi
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Type: Charitable
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Established: 2007
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Location: Korangi Crossing, Karachi
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Services: Free care in oncology, pediatrics, infectious diseases, and general medicine. Includes a trauma center and surgical units.
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Notable Features: A 300-bed facility, expandable to 1,500, it’s a leader in free healthcare, funded by donations.
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Example: A low-income family accessed free cancer treatment, easing their financial strain.
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National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi
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Type: Public, Specialized (Cardiology)
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Established: 1963
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Location: Rafiqui Shaheed Road, Karachi
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Services: Angiography, angioplasty, bypass surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Offers free heart care.
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Notable Features: With 500 beds and 10 satellite centers across Sindh, it’s a leader in cardiac care, part of Pakistan biggest Hospital list.
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Example: A heart patient from Hyderabad received free bypass surgery at NICVD.
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Doctors Hospital, Lahore
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Type: Private
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Established: 2000
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Location: Johar Town, Lahore
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Services: Cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and women’s health. Offers robotic surgery and advanced diagnostics.
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Notable Features: A 250-bed facility, it’s known for modern amenities and patient-centric care, ranking in Top 10 private hospitals in Pakistan.
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Example: A Lahore professional underwent minimally invasive surgery at Doctors Hospital, praising its efficiency.
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Hospital Name |
Type |
Location |
Bed Capacity |
Key Specializations |
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Aga Khan University Hospital |
Private |
Karachi |
700 |
Cardiology, Oncology, Transplants |
Shaukat Khanum |
Charitable |
Lahore |
195 |
Oncology |
JPMC |
Public |
Karachi |
1,650 |
Trauma, General Medicine |
Mayo Hospital |
Public |
Lahore |
2,300 |
Neurology, Orthopedics |
PIMS |
Public |
Islamabad |
1,200 |
Cardiology, Pediatrics |
Shifa International |
Private |
Islamabad |
550 |
Transplants, Neurology |
Liaquat National |
Private/Trust |
Karachi |
700 |
Orthopedics, Cardiology |
Indus Hospital |
Charitable |
Karachi |
300 |
Oncology, Infectious Diseases |
NICVD |
Public |
Karachi |
500 |
Cardiology |
Doctors Hospital |
Private |
Lahore |
250 |
Orthopedics, Gastroenterology |
Hospitals in Top Cities of Pakistan
Karachi
As Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi is a healthcare hub with diverse facilities:
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Aga Khan University Hospital: A leader in advanced care, known for transplants and oncology.
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JPMC: A massive public hospital, excelling in trauma and emergency services.
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Liaquat National Hospital: Offers affordable specialized care.
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Civil Hospital Karachi: A public facility with extensive OPD and surgical services.
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South City Hospital: Known for bariatric surgery and IVF.
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NICVD: A cardiac care pioneer, offering free treatments.
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Indus Hospital: Provides free, high-quality care across specialties.
Lahore
Lahore hosts major hospitals serving Punjab and beyond:
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Mayo Hospital: A historic public hospital with over 2,300 beds, a leader in Top 10 largest hospital in Pakistan.
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Shaukat Khanum: A global name in cancer care.
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Services Hospital: A public teaching hospital with robust general and specialized services.
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National Hospital & Medical Center: A private facility known for cardiology and neurosurgery.
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Doctors Hospital: Offers advanced surgical and diagnostic services.
Islamabad/Rawalpindi
The twin cities combine federal and private healthcare:
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PIMS: A federal public hospital with multiple specialized centers.
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Shifa International: A private leader in transplants and neurology.
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Holy Family Hospital: A key public hospital in Rawalpindi for general care.
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Benazir Bhutto Hospital: Offers diverse medical services.
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Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology: Specializes in heart care.
Other Major Cities
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Faisalabad: Allied Hospital (1,450 beds) and DHQ Hospital serve as regional hubs.
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Multan: Nishtar Hospital (1,000 beds) and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology.
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Peshawar: Lady Reading Hospital (1,500 beds) and Hayatabad Medical Complex.
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Quetta: Civil Hospital Quetta and Bolan Medical Complex, addressing Balochistan’s needs.
Hospitals in Other Cities of Pakistan (Regional Healthcare Access)
Beyond major cities, Pakistan’s healthcare relies on District Headquarter (DHQ) hospitals, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and Rural Health Centers (RHCs). DHQ hospitals, like those in Sialkot or Sargodha, provide secondary care, including surgery and diagnostics, but often face resource shortages. BHUs and RHCs offer primary care, vaccinations, and maternal health services, yet struggle with staffing and equipment. Military hospitals, like Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) in various garrisons, serve civilians in emergencies. Initiatives like telemedicine and mobile health units are improving access, addressing the Hospital names in Pakistan in underserved areas.
Key Services Offered by Hospitals in Pakistan
Hospitals in Pakistan offer a wide range of services:
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Emergency & Trauma Care: 24/7 services for accidents and critical conditions, with trauma centers at JPMC and Mayo Hospital.
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Outpatient Department (OPD): Routine consultations for general ailments.
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Inpatient Services: Admissions for surgeries, recovery, and intensive care.
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Specialized Departments:
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Cardiology: Angiography, bypass surgery (NICVD, Shifa).
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Oncology: Chemotherapy, radiation (Shaukat Khanum).
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Neurology/Neurosurgery: Stroke management, brain surgeries (AKUH, PIMS).
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Orthopedics: Joint replacements (LNH, Doctors Hospital).
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Gastroenterology: Endoscopy, liver transplants (Shifa, AKUH).
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Nephrology: Dialysis, kidney transplants (SIUT, AKUH).
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Maternity & Pediatrics: NICU, delivery services (PIMS, South City).
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Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Dentistry: Available across major hospitals.
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Diagnostics: MRI, CT scans, pathology labs.
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Surgical Services: General, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.
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Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy.
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Pharmacy & Nursing: In-house pharmacies and skilled nursing care.
Finding the Right Hospital and Doctor in Pakistan: Practical Advice
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Define Needs: Identify if you need emergency care, specialized treatment, or routine check-ups.
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Research: Use platforms like Marham or Oladoc to find Hospital names in Pakistan and doctor profiles. Check hospital websites (e.g., aku.edu, shifainternational.com).
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Accreditation: Look for JCI-accredited hospitals like AKUH or local certifications.
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Doctor Expertise: Seek specialists with FCPS/MD degrees and relevant experience.
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Cost: Public hospitals offer free care; private ones vary (e.g., NPR 5,000-50,000 for surgeries). Check Sehat Sahulat Program coverage.
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Accessibility: Choose hospitals with nearby branches or good transport links.
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Reviews: Patient feedback on platforms can guide choices.
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Emergency: Head to nearest public hospital (e.g., JPMC, Mayo) for urgent care.
Challenges and Future Outlook of Healthcare in Pakistan
Challenges:
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Funding: Low health budget (0.8% GDP) limits public hospital resources.
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Accessibility: Rural areas lack advanced facilities, forcing travel to cities.
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Brain Drain: Many doctors migrate abroad, causing staff shortages.
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Disease Burden: Rising NCDs (diabetes, heart disease) strain hospitals.
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Quality Control: Inconsistent standards across facilities.
Opportunities:
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Private Investment: Growth in List of private hospitals in Pakistan enhances quality.
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Medical Tourism: Affordable treatments attract regional patients.
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Telemedicine: Platforms like Sehat Kahani improve rural access.
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Specialized Centers: New cardiac and cancer facilities.
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Public-Private Partnerships: Improve public hospital efficiency.
Conclusion
The Hospitals In Pakistan form a vital network, from public giants like Mayo Hospital to private leaders like Aga Khan University Hospital. This guide to Hospital names in Pakistan, including Top 10 hospital in Pakistan and Top 10 private hospitals in Pakistan, highlights their services and doctors, empowering readers to make informed healthcare choices. As Pakistan invests in telemedicine and specialized care, the future looks promising. Visit hospital websites like aku.edu or skmch.org.pk for details, and share this guide to help others navigate Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Meta Description: Discover the top hospitals in Pakistan, from public giants like JPMC to private leaders like Aga Khan. Explore services, doctors, and tips to find the best hospital for your needs.
FAQ:
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How many hospitals are in Pakistan? Thousands, including 1,200+ public and numerous private facilities.
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What is the best hospital in Pakistan? Aga Khan and Shaukat Khanum are often cited for quality; public hospitals like JPMC lead in accessibility.
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Which is the largest hospital in Pakistan? Mayo Hospital, with over 2,300 beds, is among the largest by capacity.