Lahore: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has commended the success of the China-aided Pakistan Friendship Hospital in Gwadar and has proposed the establishment of similar healthcare facilities throughout Pakistan. The organization highlights the need for modern medical infrastructure, particularly in Punjab and other underserved regions.

According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Adeel Munawar, the Commercial Ambassador of PCJCCI, stated that the Gwadar hospital exemplifies the positive outcomes of Pakistan-China cooperation and urged for its replication to enhance the country's healthcare infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Munawar emphasized the potential benefits of expanding cooperation with China, particularly in areas such as medical technology, diagnostics, emergency care, and digital healthcare, to improve the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services in Pakistan.

Munawar noted that recent issues in major healthcare institutions underline the need for well-equipped hospitals and advanced medical technology. He suggested that the scope of Pakistan-China healthcare collaboration should extend beyond infrastructure to include technology transfer, medical training, and digital healthcare advancements. The Gwadar hospital, since its launch, has treated approximately 150,000 patients, showcasing the impact of modern infrastructure and skilled healthcare services.

Furthermore, Munawar highlighted the importance of prioritizing Punjab for the expansion of Pakistan-China healthcare partnerships due to its large and diverse population. He called for the development of modern hospitals with advanced facilities in both urban and rural areas of Punjab, as well as extending the Gwadar model to regions in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan.

PCJCCI envisions healthcare as a key component of Pakistan-China cooperation, alongside trade and technology. By replicating the Gwadar model nationwide, the organization believes it can bolster Pakistan's healthcare system and deliver accessible, affordable, and quality medical care to its citizens.