KARACHI: The 22nd edition of Health Asia International Exhibition & Conferences kicked off in Karachi on Thursday, bringing together over 400 international and domestic health care brands in a bid to elevate Pakistan’s medical industry standing and investment climate.

Pakistan’s health care system today is under significant strain: public spending remains below 1 percent of GDP and the government hopes to use the strategic forum to bring in global medical technology, expand pharmaceutical manufacturing and boost exports. 

“Events like Health Asia are a testament to Pakistan’s growing potential in the health care and medical industry. They not only bring together knowledge, technology, and expertise under one roof, but also open new avenues for trade, research, and innovation,” said Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal at the inauguration of the event. 

According to the minister, Pakistan aims to transform its health sector into both a domestic strength and a regional hub for innovation.

Co-organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination and supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the three-day event features over 404 brands and more than 350 exhibitors from 24 countries, including China, Iran, Turkiye, Russia and Hungary. 

It also includes 25+ academic conferences and CME-accredited workshops covering digital health, pharmaceutical marketing, future hospitals and medical devices development.

During his tour of the exhibition halls, Minister Kamal met a Russian business delegation headed by the CEO of Moscow Export Center and Russia’s trade representative in Pakistan. Discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan–Russia cooperation in medical technology and pharmaceuticals.

Organizers anticipate over 50,000 trade visitors and health care professionals to attend throughout the event.

Project Director Farhan Anis said the exhibition aims to serve as “a catalyst for health care innovation and trade” and called for regular, expanded editions to support Pakistan’s ambition of becoming a regional health-industry hub.

With Pakistan’s low health-spending ratio, large population and growing demand for quality services, the government hopes to utilize events like Health Asia 2025 to attract investment, crowd in technology partnerships and help upgrade infrastructure all critical in a sector where existing resources and capacity remain unevenly distributed.