Gwadar’s Pak-China Friendship Hospital expands care under CPEC

Facility treats over 48,000 patients in early 2026, offers free services

The China-aided Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar is emerging as a key healthcare facility in Balochistan, treating 48,656 patients in the first two months of 2026, according to a report by CGTN.

The report stated that the hospital, which is a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is currently handling around 1,200 patients daily, significantly improving access to healthcare in the region.

CPEC is a flagship infrastructure and energy initiative linking Pakistan and China, aimed at boosting trade, connectivity, and regional development. It includes highways, railways, energy projects, and industrial zones, strengthening the Pak-China strategic partnership.

During a recent visit to the hospital, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the success of CPEC should be measured not just through infrastructure but also through improvements in human development, particularly health and education.

Read: Ahsan Iqbal concedes Pakistan 'dropped the catch' on CPEC, blames PTI

Managed by the Indus Hospital and Health Network, the facility provides a wide range of services, including diagnostics, treatment and inpatient care, free of cost.

Since its establishment, the hospital has treated over 650,000 patients, reducing the need for residents to travel to other cities for specialised care. Patients from across Balochistan, and even neighbouring areas, are now seeking treatment in Gwadar.

The project has also contributed to local employment, with more than 80% of the hospital’s 487 staff members recruited from the surrounding community.

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to expand its services from 15 to 25 departments and establish a School of Medical Technology, with future plans for a medical college and nursing school.