In January 2025, Memorandums worth $250 million were signed between Pakistan and China, strengthening their partnership. Both have rejoiced in a long and enduring friendship, evidenced by cooperation in various sectors. With a cornerstone in its foreign policy, China has been Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner. Based on mutual benefits, the medical sector has recently become a major domain of their bilateral cooperation, fostering notable progress in the China-Pakistan Health corridor. This innovative health corridor was initiated in 2017, promoting medical education, infrastructure, and technological advancement.
This cooperation, which is parallel to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), would provide opportunities for training and important support in dealing with health crises as it aims to strengthen the health system in Pakistan. Lately, China has decided to establish a medical city in Pakistan worth $1 billion. This would further advance the medical field.
This medical collaboration has improved Pakistan’s healthcare system and enhanced bilateral ties between the two. By examining the case of the Pakistan Health Corridor under CPEC, this piece seeks to provide an insightful analysis of Bilateral collaboration while also discussing its future ramifications.
Given that, the increased cooperation under CPHC, fostering improvements in various areas of the medical sector. It has become a critical aspect of their bilateral relations. Belt Road Initiative (BRI) a prominent project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has streamlined Pakistani pharmaceutical access to central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe However, both countries have worked on programs to enhance the skills of their youth by offering various programs. Approximately 10000 Pakistani students have moved to China for their studies and research.
Along with it, there are continuous efforts to build a China-Pakistan friendship hospital in Islamabad. As Pakistan is 5th largest medical manufacturing hub, which accounts for 80 % of its exports, there are agreements for the investment of Chinese companies in Pakistan, particularly between Sawuat and UH biopharma. Moreover, Pakistan’s low production cost, connectivity to Central Asia and the Middle East, and Inexpensive Raw material made it an attractive destination for foreign investors. However, it is anticipated that the Chinese concept of developing a Medical city will provide job opportunities for many people. In addition, the MoU signed under the China-Pakistan Health Corridor (CPHC) offered a training program for Pakistani Medical professionals. This Initiative is deemed to enhance the skills and bring revolutionary improvements in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
This partnership focuses on key improvement areas, particularly infrastructure education and accessibility. One important point is the development of medical infrastructure. China has remained active in upgrading hospitals and enhancing medical facilities in Pakistan. For instance, the(CPFH) in Gwadar, is an ultramodern facility, aimed at providing the best health services to the country’s population.
Another major area of cooperation is training and capacity development. Many Chinese scholars and teachers have provided workshops to train Pakistani doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. This has enhanced the skills of medical staff, leading to improved health services. Apart from that, telemedicine is becoming an important part of this partnership. In Pakistan’s outlying areas, where specialized medical facilities are limited, modern technology has made it easy for Pakistani and Chinese professionals to conduct online consultations and provide guidance and diagnostic information to the population there. As a result, the medical facility gap between rural and urban areas may be lessened.
Medical research and development are also crucial areas of focus. Experts from both countries are working on joint projects to discover possible treatments and preventive measures for rampant diseases like Thalassemia, Malaria, Hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases. Moreover, various initiatives are taken to promote traditional chinese medicines (TCM), as it is well-favored in Pakistan and provide a broad range of treatments. Aside from that, China and Pakistan also cooperated during pandemics like COVID-19. China provided all essential vaccines, testing kits, and protective materials to prevent or curb the deadly disease.
This collaboration has opened the doors of opportunities for both Pakistan and China. Addressing the issue of health facilities, the friendship has also fostered the economic growth of the country. This is evidenced by the $4 million aid of China to build isolation hospitals (to keep infected patients separate) during COVID-19.
Nonetheless, the prospects of China-Pakistan cooperation in the medical field are promising, aimed at improving the Health care quality. China, through the development of medical infrastructure, transfer of medical expertise, and introduction of modern technologies, has revolutionized Pakistan’s medical services. Despite strong bilateral relations, there is ample room for improvement in various areas. Challenges, apart from all good, persist in continuing healthy and beneficial relations Pakistan has to create a favorable environment for the Chinese diaspora to work peacefully for the country’s progress.
China’s willingness to help countries around the globe shows its ambition to strengthen its hold through soft power. By developing more medical institutions and introducing its modern and evolving medical equipment China can unlock a new chapter in this bilateral cooperation. Currently lot of Chinese pharmaceutical companies like CanSino, Hangzhou new sea technology, and UH biopharma are working in Pakistan. Looking forward, the visit of President Zardari to China next month possibly unlocks the agreements on the transfer of vaccine project certificates, equipment sharing, and support for women health workers accompanied by collaboration between the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and Fuwai Hospital on specialized cardiac care is anticipated.
China and Pakistan have a long history of cooperation in various fields, including medicine. With progress in medical infrastructure, there are many areas where both countries have cooperated, including the exchange of modern medical equipment and providing training and workshops for the medical diaspora in Pakistan. However, recent developments in this field, like the singing of MoU and new medical infrastructure, have further strengthened the collaboration. Being an attractive destination for foreign pharmaceutical companies, it has become easy for Pakistan to export its medicine worldwide. This kind of medical trade is significant in boosting health cooperation among both. There is a need to address challenges with increased investment in infrastructure and human resources to ensure amicable relations in the future. Nonetheless, despite challenges, the prospects for medical cooperation are beaming with continuous support at the private and governmental levels.
