This is a best prospect industry for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 7/10/2019

Overview

Healthcare services and medical devices are in high demand in Pakistan, especially in the growing private healthcare market. Healthcare providers include government, NGOs, and the private sector. The Government of Pakistan (GOP) spent about $3.04 billion on healthcare in the fiscal year ending June 2018, an increase of 31.75 percent over the previous year. Private hospitals and clinics are also expanding rapidly, especially in cities, catering to a rapidly growing middle class. According to Business Monitor International, the medical devices market in Pakistan is worth $457.1 million and projected to increase to $537.5 million by 2020, an increase of 6.2 percent. U.S. healthcare services and medical equipment are generally well-received in Pakistan and are known for their high quality.

The GOP imposes no restrictions on foreign direct investment in healthcare services, and allows medical equipment imports under its “Open General” regulations. (Imports of radioactive equipment require Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority approval.) Import tariffs range from 0 to 25 percent, depending on the category. Some medical equipment is exempt from sales taxes. Price, quality and after-sales service support are major factors in medical equipment purchase decisions. A letter of credit is usually the mode of payment for imports.  Government tenders can be time-consuming, while decision-making is typically faster in private hospitals.

Key regulators in the sector are the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination (MNHSRC). As of 2015, DRAP oversees regulations of medical devices as well. These new regulations include new medical device and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, and include requirements for conformity assessments, quality management systems, classification guidelines, authorized representation for foreign manufacturers and related registration steps. The rules cover procedures for registration of medical devices and conformity assessment bodies, licensing of establishments, classification and grouping of devices, post-market surveillance, import and export, labeling requirements, advertisement and ancillary matters. 

The GOP has recently announced amendments to their medical device rules. U.S. industry is contented as these amendments would further streamline the registration process for medical devices in Pakistan.

Leading Sub-Sectors

With the number of hospitals, dispensaries, healthcare units expected to increase due to the GOP’s plan to expand their healthcare network, market demand for equipment listed below is expected to grow:

  • Respirators (HS 9019)
  • Monitors, Ventilators
  • Dental Veterinary Instruments and Appliances (HS 9018)
  • Orthopedic Appliances, Hearing Aids (HS 9021)
  • X-Rays, Radiography/ Radio Therapy Apparatus (HS 9022)
  • Second hand and used 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 impending construction of a number of hospitals in Pakistan will bring opportunities for medical devices suppliers.

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 is often seeking low cost, and quick decision-making on terms, which can put American companies at a disadvantage.
Healthcare in Pakistan is still in the early stages of development. Government funding on health as a percentage of GDP continues to lag other countries at similar stages of development. Also, moves to decentralize the healthcare system, from federal to provincial governments, have led to wider disparities, with non-uniform medical device approvals across the country.
Other issues include low health manpower levels, a lack of training on the use of medical equipment - much of which is poorly maintained or in disuse - and the underutilization of primary health facilities.

Web Resources

Healthcare Procurement
Government Health Plans

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.