Islamabad, February 18, 2026: Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for Health, to discuss the establishment of strategic cooperation in the health sector through bilateral exchange of knowledge and expertise.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed promoting sustainable health cooperation while highlighting Thailand’s position as a world-class medical centre for Pakistani patients. They agreed to expand collaboration in several areas, with particular focus on the systematic promotion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Pakistan by drawing on the Thai model.
The discussions emphasized reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses in Pakistan, which currently average around 53 per cent, through stronger preventive healthcare measures and broader access to primary healthcare services. These include community-based approaches such as village health volunteers to help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
The Federal Minister commended the achievements of Thailand’s UHC model and expressed keen interest in adapting its key elements in Pakistan. He noted that strengthening public health systems through UHC and the promotion of preventive healthcare are core objectives of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, and that such cooperation could contribute to a more equitable and resilient healthcare system in the long run.
The two sides also discussed Thailand’s potential as a medical tourism destination for Pakistanis. Ambassador Virabutr reiterated that Thai medical facilities offer world-class services supported by modern technology and highly skilled professionals, while remaining affordable and accessible for patients seeking advanced and high-quality treatments.
Both sides termed the meeting an important step toward establishing a strong and lasting health partnership between Pakistan and Thailand, with mutual benefits in public health development and people-to-people linkages.
