ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking collaboration, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is partnering with Pakistan’s NovaCare to establish a state-of-the-art 250-bed hospital in Islamabad, bringing high-quality healthcare closer to Pakistani patients and enhancing global ties in medical innovation.
This marks the first NHS Trust partnership with a Pakistani hospital, focusing on clinical excellence, staff development, and shared healthcare expertise.
London’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will provide technical assistance in hospital planning, staffing, and training. In return, affiliate fees from NovaCare services will be reinvested into Imperial’s NHS operations, benefiting UK patients as well.
Set to open in 2026, the hospital will offer care across 28 clinical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and maternal health. The facility is being built with advanced features such as:
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Smart building management systems
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AI-optimized vertical transport
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Infection control and fall prevention technologies
A Boost for Both UK and Pakistani Healthcare
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE, who visited the construction site, praised the partnership:
“This agreement brings the UK’s world-leading healthcare expertise to Pakistan and, in turn, supports the NHS. By sharing cutting-edge clinical best practices and developing staff capabilities, this partnership will directly help save lives.”
The agreement also offers training and professional development opportunities for NovaCare clinicians, including:
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Observing multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings
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Access to second opinions from UK-based specialists
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Training aligned with NHS protocols
In complex cases, patients may be referred to Imperial College’s private facilities in London, generating additional revenue for the UK healthcare sector.
Site Visit by UK Trade Envoy
The High Commissioner was joined by UK Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Mohammad Yasin MP, who is currently on a three-day visit to the country. After touring the site, the delegation met with key NovaCare and Andalus Holdings leaders:
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Johannes Kedzierski, CEO, NovaCare
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Faraz Minai, Director, NovaCare & CEO, Andalus Holdings
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Ghalib Hafiz, Director, NovaCare & Partner, Andalus Holdings
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Mustafa Hassan, Director, NovaCare
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Qaiser Rafiq, Project Director, NovaCare
The new NovaCare facility is being constructed in DHA Phase, and once completed, will be just a 15-minute drive from Islamabad’s Blue Zone, making it easily accessible to the capital’s residents.
This collaboration is seen as a major step in bringing NHS clinical standards to Pakistan, and advancing the UK’s role in global healthcare diplomacy.
