Emergency Numbers & Access
Rescue 1122 (Punjab) is efficient. Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shaukat Khanum (Lahore) are world-class.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Punjab cities (Rescue 1122); variable elsewhere
Cost: $20-300+ at private hospitals
Healthcare System
Pakistan has a large but uneven healthcare system. Major cities have excellent private hospitals (Aga Khan, Shaukat Khanum). Rural and northern areas have very limited facilities. Northern mountain areas (Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza) rely on helicopter evacuation.
Designed for: Residents; tourists use private hospitals
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private hospitals and clinics; very affordable
Typical wait: Same-day at private facilities
Availability: Good in major cities; very limited in northern areas and rural regions
GP Visit
$10-30 private GP visit
Private GP
$10-30
ER Without Insurance
$50-500+
Medication
Medications extremely affordable. Pharmacies everywhere. Quality generally good from established brands.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Generally 9am-10pm; some 24h
OTC: Very wide range — most medications available without prescription
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions for all medications.
Practical Tips
- Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shaukat Khanum (Lahore) for best care
- Helicopter evacuation insurance essential for northern area trekking
- Carry Polio vaccination certificate — may be checked at borders
- Bring complete first-aid kit for northern areas — no pharmacies on trekking routes
- Drink only bottled/filtered water everywhere
Who can get care in Pakistan?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Pakistan treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private hospitals and clinics; very affordable Typical cost: $10-30 private GP visit Typical wait: Same-day at private facilities
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $50-500+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- e-Visa
- Travel insurance with evacuation
- Polio vaccination certificate
Local contacts in Pakistan
Emergency services
115 (Rescue 1122) / 1122
Rescue 1122 (Punjab) is efficient. Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shaukat Khanum (Lahore) are world-class.
Pharmacies
Generally 9am-10pm; some 24h
Very wide range — most medications available without prescription
What is the emergency number in Pakistan?
115 (Rescue 1122) or 1122 in Pakistan. Rescue 1122 (Punjab) is efficient. Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shaukat Khanum (Lahore) are world-class.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Pakistan?
$10-30 private GP visit Private consultations: $10-30.
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Sources: Pakistan Ministry of Health, WHO Pakistan, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare