Press Release
VIS Upgrades Medium to Long-term Rating of Shifa International Hospitals Limited
Karachi, June 12, 2026: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has upgraded the medium to long-term rating of Shifa International Hospitals Limited (‘SIHL’ or ‘the Company’) from ‘AA-‘ to ‘AA’ while maintaining the short-term rating at ‘A1’. The medium-to long-term rating of ‘AA’ reflects high credit quality; Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions. The short-term rating of ‘A1’ indicates strong likelihood of timely repayment of short-term obligations with excellent liquidity factors. Outlook on the rating has been revised from ‘Positive’ to ‘Stable’. Previous rating action was announced on April 07, 2025.
SIHL operates as the parent entity of group engaged in healthcare services across multiple segments, including hospital management, specialized medical care, and consultancy. The group comprises SIHL and its subsidiary, Shifa National Hospital Faisalabad (Private) Limited (‘SNHF’), operate as a tertiary care hospital offering a range of medical and surgical services.
The upgrade of medium to long-term rating reflects the Company’s strong position in the healthcare sector, improvement in financial metrics and the upcoming launch of its newly established healthcare facility in Faisalabad, which is expected to further enhance the scale of operations. The assigned ratings also reflect the Company’s sound governance framework and the presence of an experience management team. Furthermore, the ratings take note of SIHL being among a select group of healthcare institutions worldwide accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) as an Academic Medical Center, underscoring its commitment to international standards of healthcare quality, patient safety, and clinical excellence. Financial profile is supported by sustained patient throughput and topline growth. Operating efficiencies have driven margin expansion and improved net earnings in FY25 and 9MFY26, further strengthening debt service metrics. The capital structure is reinforced by healthy equity expansion while liquidity profile remains strong, supported by ample liquid assets.
The ratings remain contingent upon the consistent application of international best healthcare practices, continued affiliation with globally recognized healthcare standards bodies, and ongoing enhancement of human capital and technological capabilities. Additionally, sustained revenue growth, continued improvement in profitability, strong liquidity, and a prudent capital structure will be important for ratings, going forward.
For further information on this ratings announcement, please contact at 021-35311861-64 or email at info@vis.com.pk
Applicable Rating Criteria:
Industrial Corporates
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/CorporateMethodology.pdf
VIS Issue/Issuer Rating Scale
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/VISRatingScales.pdf