Conversation with Dr. Affan Faiq Zada, Head of Pak-China Friendship Hospital Gwadar
The GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility in Gwadar, Balochistan, developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with financial assistance from the Chinese government. It operates under a Public-Private Partnership model, managed by the Indus Hospital and Health Network. Initially built by the Gwadar Port Authority and the Government of Balochistan, the hospital plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare services in the region. Dr. Affan Faiq Zada, a Senior Healthcare Executive with over 15 years of experience in Family Medicine, Public Health, and healthcare management, serves as the Head of Campus.
Spread over 68 acres, the hospital boasts modern medical facilities and includes six blocks for medicine, residences, a nursing and paramedical institute, a medical college, and a central laboratory, among other facilities. As a flagship project of the CPEC, the Pak-China Friendship Hospital was constructed with a generous investment of $100 million by the Chinese government. It stands as a beacon of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, and a testament to their joint efforts in uplifting the region through sustainable development.
Currently, the hospital offers nine clinical specialties: Family Medicine, Internal and Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, General Surgery, Dentistry, Orthopedics, Urology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Radiology. Plans are in place to expand medical services in the future. With over 20,000 patients receiving treatment each month, the hospital is delivering tailored healthcare solutions, addressing specific health concerns of individuals and families in Gwadar. The hospital is already making strides in providing top-tier medical care to Gwadar’s local population. Through its Outpatient Department (OPD), the hospital offers cutting-edge healthcare services at no cost, a significant step towards addressing the needs of the underprivileged community in the region.
Dr. Affan Faiq Zada specializes in Family Medicine, holding an MCPS in the field along with a Master’s in Public Health. His expertise spans clinical practice, healthcare management, and health IT. He has served as a project director at the Punjab IT Board, collaborated with international NGOs in healthcare management, and taught Family Medicine as faculty. For over two years, he has been leading the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital as the Head of Campus under the Indus Hospital Network.
In an exclusive interview with "Huashang News," Dr. Affan Faiq Zada discussed the hospital’s significance, medical services, and its role in Pak-China cooperation. When asked about the establishment of the hospital as a symbol of Pak-China cooperation, Dr. Affan expressed his appreciation, saying, "China has been incredibly generous in gifting this vital healthcare facility, not only to Gwadar but to the entire surrounding region. The hospital was completed in the last quarter of 2023 and officially handed over to the Gwadar Development Authority in the first quarter of 2024."
Highlighting the hospital’s key medical services, Dr. Affan elaborated, "This hospital is a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure of the region. We currently offer services across nine departments, including Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, General Surgery, Urology, and Dentistry. Additionally, we have fully equipped Radiology and Laboratory departments." He further emphasized that the hospital is designed to provide high-quality medical care with modern equipment and a well-trained staff. "We aim to offer comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Gwadar, ensuring that they do not have to travel long distances for treatment," he said.
Dr. Affan that recently the Pak-China Friendship Hospital Gwadar has introduced a new “Help Desk Initiative” aimed at providing patients with round-the-clock assistance for all health-related queries. This initiative is designed to ensure that patients and their attendants receive accurate and timely information about a variety of medical services, enhancing the overall patient experience. He said that the Help Desk will function as a “One Window Facility,” streamlining access to essential information such as doctor appointments, medical tests, and emergency aid—completely free of charge. This makes it easier for patients to navigate their healthcare needs efficiently and stress-free.
Dr. Affan said that in late January, the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital launched its Blood Bank Services, expanding medical care in Gwadar. Equipped with a state-of-the-art Cryofuge machine, the facility provides specialized blood components for patients with trauma, childbirth complications, liver conditions, and blood disorders.
Discussing how the hospital addresses local healthcare challenges, Dr. Affan noted, "Before this hospital, healthcare services in the region were minimal. Now, we provide not only primary care but also secondary care, including specialized surgical procedures and diagnostic services. Each department is staffed with expert doctors and consultants available round the clock. Our diagnostic services, including laboratory and imaging facilities, are operational 24/7. While we currently cover primary and secondary care, we are planning to expand our services further." Dr. Affan also highlighted the importance of preventative healthcare. "We are focusing on awareness campaigns and community outreach programs to educate people on hygiene, maternal health, and preventive measures against diseases."
Addressing the hospital’s expansion plans, Dr. Affan stated, "At present, the hospital has a capacity of 150 beds, but there are plans to expand it to a 300-bed facility. We also aim to establish a Medical College, Nursing College, and a School of Medical Technology within the premises. Additionally, four new specialties—Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Cardiology, and Nephrology—will soon be introduced. Our Outpatient Department operates daily, except on Sundays, while emergency services remain available 24/7." He added that the hospital is working towards establishing partnerships with international healthcare institutions to bring in experts and advanced medical technologies. "We want Gwadar to become a regional hub for healthcare excellence, and for that, we need continuous investment in infrastructure and training."
On the collaboration between Pakistan and China in the healthcare sector, he emphasized, "This partnership is transforming healthcare service delivery, not only in Gwadar but across the entire province. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing medical facilities and healthcare accessibility in the region. The Chinese government’s support in the healthcare sector will greatly impact the people of Balochistan." Dr. Affan also mentioned that Chinese medical experts have been involved in training local healthcare staff. "Knowledge exchange is a crucial part of this collaboration. Our doctors and nurses are benefiting from the expertise of Chinese healthcare professionals."
Discussing employment and training opportunities, Dr. Affan remarked, "Beyond healthcare, this hospital presents significant employment opportunities for the local population. Currently, 90% of our staff are locals, and as we expand, more positions will open up for healthcare professionals, paramedics, and administrative staff. The planned Medical College and Nursing College will also serve as a crucial step toward building a skilled healthcare workforce in Gwadar." He stressed the importance of investing in human resources. "We are providing specialized training programs for our staff to ensure they are equipped with the latest medical knowledge and techniques."
When asked about his message to the people of Gwadar, Dr. Affan said, "I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the hospital’s construction and operations. I also thank the people of Gwadar for their trust in us. Moving forward, we encourage greater community participation through awareness sessions. These efforts will help us identify healthcare gaps and enable our primary care teams to reach underprivileged areas." Dr. Affan mentioned that outreach programs are being planned to provide free medical camps and health check-ups in remote areas. "We want to ensure that healthcare services reach every household in Gwadar."
Looking toward the future of healthcare in Gwadar, Dr. Affan shared his vision: "Under CPEC Phase 2, we anticipate the establishment of a Medical College and Nursing College. Our goal is to make Gwadar a regional healthcare hub, providing comprehensive medical education and services. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with global healthcare institutions to bring cutting-edge medical research and practices to the region." With the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital playing a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, its expansion and continued collaboration between Pakistan and China promise to bring significant improvements to medical infrastructure and employment opportunities in Gwadar. The hospital is set to become a cornerstone of healthcare excellence, benefiting both the local community and the broader region.
During the six-month period as of February 2025, a total of 153,252 patients received medical care at the facility, which also provided free medicines and meals to admitted patients. A breakdown of the data shows that the hospital’s emergency department handled 18,190 cases. The family medicine and general OPD was the most frequented, serving 60,465 patients. The paediatric OPD recorded 32,875 visits, while the internal medicine OPD treated 6,014 patients. The general surgery department provided services to 5,527 patients, including 304 who underwent surgical procedures. The orthopaedic surgery OPD saw 5,229 patients, with 230 surgeries performed. The dental OPD treated 4,636 patients during the period. Meanwhile, the urology and nephrology OPD attended to 2,822 patients, with 23 undergoing surgery. The hospital’s maternity and child health department remains one of its busiest sections, recording 15,437 visits. At least 1,260 babies were delivered at the facility. Additionally, 176 patients benefited from the hospital’s CT scan services over the past six months.
Dr. Affan said that the Pak-China Friendship Hospital is more than a medical facility; it is a catalyst for change, embodying the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China. Its rapid impact, serving over 153,252 patients in six months, and its forward-looking plans for expansion and education, promise a healthier and more prosperous future for Gwadar. As it continues to evolve, the hospital will remain a cornerstone of healthcare excellence, benefiting the local community and the broader region, and reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations. The Head of Pak China Friendship hospital said that the hospital's success, funded by China's generosity and marked by collaborative efforts, underscores its role as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of international cooperation in improving the human condition.
By Rashid Haider
