Pakistan’s healthcare system has evolved considerably over the years, with both public and private sectors playing significant roles in service delivery. Among the countless hospitals spread across the country, a select few stand out for their excellence in medical care, advanced facilities, research, and patient satisfaction. These institutions are not only equipped with modern technology but also boast highly skilled medical professionals, including doctors, surgeons, and nurses. In this article, we explore the top hospitals in Pakistan that have set a benchmark for quality healthcare, providing services in various specialties such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, nephrology, and more.
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) – Karachi
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), located in Karachi, is widely considered the most prestigious and internationally recognized medical institution in Pakistan. Established in 1985, AKUH is a private, not-for-profit hospital that operates under the Aga Khan Development Network. With its Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, the hospital meets global healthcare standards in safety and patient care. It offers a wide range of services, including general surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostics, all under one roof. AKUH is also a teaching hospital affiliated with Aga Khan University, which means it’s a hub for medical research and education. The hospital’s 24/7 emergency department is one of the most reliable in the country, and its state-of-the-art equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, ensures accurate diagnostics. Additionally, its patient management system is among the most efficient in South Asia, using digital records to enhance service delivery. AKUH is particularly known for its oncology and organ transplant units, and patients from all over the country and even abroad seek treatment here due to its high success rates and expert physicians.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre – Lahore and Peshawar
Founded by former Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) is the leading cancer hospital in Pakistan. Established in 1994 in Lahore and later expanded to Peshawar and Karachi (outpatient services), SKMCH&RC provides free or subsidized cancer treatment to over 75% of its patients, relying heavily on donations and fundraising. What sets SKMCH&RC apart is its focus on specialized cancer care, advanced radiation therapy, and chemotherapy facilities. The hospital uses cutting-edge technologies such as linear accelerators, PET scans, and robotic surgery. Moreover, SKMCH&RC is also deeply involved in cancer research and preventive oncology, aiming to understand cancer patterns among the local population and improve early diagnosis. Its multidisciplinary team includes internationally trained oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons. The hospital is also known for its transparency and maintains a strong reputation for ethical medical practices. The patient support services, including counseling, rehabilitation, and palliative care, make SKMCH&RC a holistic institution dedicated to not just treating cancer but improving the quality of life for its patients.
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) – Islamabad
As one of the largest government hospitals in the capital city, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) plays a crucial role in serving the population of Islamabad and surrounding regions. Founded in 1985, PIMS functions as both a medical service provider and an academic institution affiliated with the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University. With over 20 specialized departments, including cardiology, pediatrics, nephrology, and neurosurgery, PIMS provides quality healthcare services at minimal or no cost to patients. It is especially important for lower-income individuals who cannot afford private hospitals. The hospital is home to several specialized centers, including the Mother and Child Care Centre and the Burn Care Centre. Despite being a government-run hospital, PIMS has maintained relatively high standards of hygiene, medical care, and diagnostic accuracy. It is also a center for emergency services, handling a large number of trauma cases daily. While overcrowding and administrative challenges persist, the hospital’s ongoing infrastructure improvements and professional staff make it one of the top public-sector hospitals in Pakistan.
Liaquat National Hospital – Karachi
Another prominent name in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape is Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) in Karachi. Established in 1958, LNH is one of the oldest and most reputable tertiary care hospitals in the country. The hospital operates on a not-for-profit basis and offers a broad range of specialized medical and surgical services. With over 700 beds and more than 30 medical specialties, including neurology, dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and gynecology, LNH is a preferred choice for patients across Sindh and Balochistan. One of the hospital’s key strengths is its comprehensive training and education programs, including postgraduate medical education, nursing training, and allied health sciences. Its well-equipped intensive care units (ICUs), high-end surgical suites, and in-house laboratories ensure world-class healthcare services. Liaquat National Hospital also operates a chain of diagnostic centers throughout the city, making quality diagnostics accessible to a larger population. The hospital’s commitment to affordable healthcare, combined with consistent medical advancements and ethical practices, has made it a cornerstone of healthcare in Karachi.
Combined Military Hospital (CMH) – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan
The Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) are a network of state-of-the-art hospitals operated by the Pakistan Armed Forces. Although primarily serving military personnel and their families, CMHs in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan are also open to civilians in certain departments. Among them, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College Hospital and CMH Rawalpindi stand out for their advanced infrastructure, highly trained specialists, and international affiliations. These hospitals provide cutting-edge services in orthopedics, cardiology, psychiatry, trauma surgery, and rehabilitation. The hospitals are equipped with modern imaging units, modular operating theaters, and digital record systems. CMH Rawalpindi is also known for its postgraduate training programs and military medical research, contributing significantly to medical education in Pakistan. The standards of cleanliness, discipline, and professional conduct in CMHs are notably higher compared to many civilian hospitals, and their strategic location often makes them the first choice during medical emergencies in military zones or disaster situations. As part of the Army Medical Corps’ legacy, these hospitals uphold strict protocols for patient care, making them some of the best-managed and most trusted hospitals in the country.