HEALTH

Gwadar’s Pak-China Friendship Hospital Treats Over 48,000 Patients in Early 2026

Gwadar’s Pak-China Friendship Hospital treats over 48,000 patients in just 2 months, boosting healthcare under CPEC with free services and local jobs.
2026-03-31
Gwadar’s Pak-China Friendship Hospital Treats Over 48,000 Patients in Early 2026

The Pak-China Friendship Hospital, a major healthcare initiative supported by China, is rapidly emerging as a vital medical facility in Gwadar, significantly improving healthcare access across Balochistan.

According to a report by CGTN, the hospital treated 48,656 patients in the first two months of 2026 alone, highlighting its growing role in the region’s healthcare system. The facility is currently managing an average of around 1,200 patients daily.

The hospital is a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure and energy initiative designed to strengthen economic ties between China and Pakistan. The corridor includes highways, railways, energy projects, and industrial zones aimed at boosting trade, connectivity, and regional development.

During a recent visit, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the success of CPEC should not only be measured through infrastructure development but also through improvements in human development sectors such as health and education.

The hospital is managed by the Indus Hospital and Health Network and offers a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostics, treatment, and inpatient care — all free of cost.

Since its inception, the facility has treated more than 650,000 patients, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel to distant cities for specialized medical care. Patients from across Balochistan, as well as neighboring regions, are increasingly turning to Gwadar for treatment.

Beyond healthcare, the project has also contributed to local economic growth. More than 80 percent of the hospital’s 487 staff members have been recruited from the surrounding community, creating employment opportunities in the area.

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to expand its services from 15 to 25 departments. Future developments include the establishment of a School of Medical Technology, along with long-term plans for a medical college and nursing school.

The continued expansion of the facility underscores its importance not only as a healthcare provider but also as a symbol of growing Pakistan-China cooperation under CPEC.