Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar, Pakistan.
The China-backed Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar is emerging as a key health 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), currently handles about 1,200 patients daily, significantly improving access to healthcare in the region.
CPEC is a flagship infrastructure and energy initiative linking Pakistan and China, with the aim of promoting trade, connectivity and regional development. It includes highways, railways, energy projects and industrial zones, strengthening the strategic partnership between Pak and China.
During a recent visit to the hospital, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the success of CPEC should not only be measured through infrastructure but also through improvements in human development, especially health and education.
Read: Ahsan Iqbal admits Pakistan ‘dropped catch’ on CPEC, blames PTI
The facility is managed by the Indus Hospital and Health Network and offers a wide range of services, including diagnostics, treatment and inpatient care, free of charge.
Since its establishment, the hospital has treated over 650,000 patients, reducing the need for residents to travel to other cities for specialized care. Patients from all over Balochistan, and even neighboring areas, are now seeking treatment in Gwadar.
The project has also contributed to local employment, with more than 80% of the hospital’s 487 employees recruited from the surrounding community.
Going forward, 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 a nursing school.
