Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Pakistan’s Landscape and Global Trends

Writing this article is more than sharing lessons; it’s a reflection of my 24-year journey navigating the intersection of healthcare and entrepreneurship. I’ve seen ideas thrive and others falter, often due to simple but critical oversights.

My belief is that healthcare isn’t just a business—it’s a responsibility to improve lives.

As someone who has worked in Pakistan’s evolving healthcare ecosystem, I understand its challenges, from regulatory hurdles to the stark disparity in access to quality care. But I also see immense potential. Every challenge is an opportunity to create solutions that are not only impactful but also sustainable.

Mentor Health and similar ventures inspire me daily—demonstrating that innovation and empathy, when combined, can change the healthcare narrative. I hope this article serves as a guiding light for those brave enough to step into this space. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future.

This article distills key lessons tailored to Pakistan’s unique context while drawing parallels with global trends to provide a broader perspective.

1. Understand the Local and Global Ecosystem

Pakistan’s healthcare industry is complex and regulated by bodies like SECP and DRAP. Compliance builds trust and credibility, but it’s equally important to stay informed about global trends, such as advancements in telemedicine, digital health, and value-based care. These insights can help you adapt international innovations to local needs.

Case Example:

Mentor Health , a health Fintech startup in Pakistan, illustrates this well. By integrating its services with Pakistan’s regulatory requirements and local patient needs, it’s creating impactful, compliant solutions that stand out in the market.

2. Solve Real Problems with Local Insights

The most impactful startups address real issues, whether it’s affordability, access, or quality. In Pakistan, 70% of the population lacks access to quality care, making this an area ripe for innovation. Collaborate with patients, providers, and other stakeholders to deeply understand their challenges.

Pro Tip:

Use design thinking workshops to co-create solutions with your target audience, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

3. Leverage Technology Strategically

While technology is a powerful tool, it’s not the solution itself. Begin by identifying core pain points and then integrate tech, whether through AI for diagnostics, blockchain for patient records, or IoT for remote monitoring.

Global Inspiration:

India’s Practo leverages AI and telehealth to serve urban and rural areas, a model Pakistan can emulate with localized adaptations.

4. Build Trust as Your Foundation

Healthcare is personal. Transparency, empathy, and reliability are non-negotiable for building trust. Regularly engage with stakeholders to ensure they feel valued and heard.

Pro Tip:

Implement third-party audits for clinical processes to reinforce credibility among patients and partners.

5. Invest in Data Security

Globally, data breaches cost healthcare companies billions. In Pakistan, while regulations are still evolving, your commitment to patient privacy can set you apart. Invest in encryption, regular audits, and compliance with international standards like GDPR or HIPAA.

6. Forge Strategic Partnerships

No healthcare startup can scale in isolation. Partnering with hospitals, insurance providers, laboratories, and TPAs amplifies your reach and credibility.

Global Inspiration:

In the U.S., startups like Oscar Health grew rapidly through partnerships with established healthcare systems, a model relevant to Pakistan’s context.

7. Localize to Thrive

Global solutions rarely work in their original form in Pakistan. For instance, while telemedicine is booming worldwide, Pakistan’s low internet penetration requires phone-based or SMS-enabled alternatives.

8. Focus on Customer Experience

Whether serving B2B clients like hospitals or individual patients, prioritize a seamless and empathetic experience. In a competitive market, exceptional service fosters loyalty.

Pro Tip:

Use Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure and improve customer satisfaction.

9. Retention Over Acquisition

It’s cheaper and more sustainable to retain a satisfied customer than acquire a new one. Build long-term relationships through continuous value delivery and excellent post-service support.

Pro Tip:

Incentivize repeat usage through loyalty programs, especially for B2C customers.

10. Raise Smart Capital

While funding is vital, raising too much too soon can dilute focus. Build a lean, sustainable model before approaching investors, ensuring your product-market fit is solid.

Global Lesson:

Many Silicon Valley startups fail despite large funding rounds because they prioritize growth over sustainability.

11. Measure Impact Beyond Revenue

Healthcare is a mission-driven industry. Track metrics like improved health outcomes, increased access, and cost savings for patients. These resonate deeply with stakeholders and help build a lasting brand.

Case Example:

Mentor Health tracks key metrics, such as the number of patients served and reduced out-of-pocket expenses, to demonstrate both societal and financial impact.

12. Embrace Resilience and Patience

The healthcare industry, particularly in Pakistan, is slow-moving. Barriers to entry, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure gaps require persistence.

Global Perspective:

Startups like Babylon Health in the UK took years to refine their models, proving that resilience is key to long-term success.

13. Engage Regulators Proactively

View regulators as allies in building credibility. Early engagement ensures compliance and helps avoid pitfalls.

Pro Tip:

Host webinars with DRAP and SECP representatives to stay updated and foster relationships.

14. Hire for Passion and Alignment

Skills can be taught, but passion for healthcare’s mission is innate. Build a team aligned with your purpose, ensuring they’re willing to go the extra mile.

15. Learn from Failures and Global Trends

Every setback is an opportunity to learn. Regularly analyze why startups fail—whether due to poor product-market fit, regulatory non-compliance, or underestimating competition.

Global Insight:

Statista highlights that 60% of startups fail within the first three years globally. Learning from these examples can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Ending Note

To all the aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs out there: Stay true to your purpose.

The path ahead won’t always be smooth, but if you anchor your efforts in the genuine desire to make a difference, the journey will be worth every challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz of new trends, funding rounds, or industry accolades, but remember: the heart of your venture lies in the value you provide to your customers and the positive impact you create.

Invest in building solid processes that are adaptable, efficient, and sustainable. The healthcare landscape is constantly changing, and only those who build with resilience and foresight will endure. But above all, your most valuable asset is your team. Take the time to foster their growth, build trust, and align them with the vision you’ve set. They will be your greatest support and your driving force.

When it comes to customers, focus more on retention than acquisition. It’s not about attracting every new face; it’s about nurturing long-term relationships with those who truly benefit from your solution. Serve them with empathy, reliability, and a commitment to improving their experience over time.

As a founder, don’t fall into the trap of being a conference-seeker or a figurehead. Your job is to lead from the trenches—work closely with your product and tech teams, refine your offerings, and create tangible value for your customers. The real work happens in the details and in the hearts of the people you serve.

Stay focused, stay humble, and always put purpose over profit. The success you seek will follow, but it’s the lives you impact along the way that will matter most.

Wishing you all the best on this incredible journey. Stay resilient, and make your vision a reality.