FAISALABAD (Staff Report): A ray of hope shines for children battling heart defects as UK doctors successfully performed life-saving cardiac surgeries at the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology (FIC).
On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, along with Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force Dr. Farqad Alamgir, Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, Commissioner Faisalabad Division Maryam Khan, and Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir visited the FIC on Thursday.
President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce, Rehan Naseem and others were also present on the occasion.
The minister visited the hospital to oversee the progress of pediatric cardiac surgeries performed by the UK doctors.
The UK doctors, including Dr. Sandeep, Dr. Umar Aziz, and Dr. Imran Saeed, have left no stone unturned in performing successful surgeries on seven children at FIC.
Talking to the UK doctors, the provincial minister appreciated their efforts and expressed gratitude. He also visited the recovering children and met their parents.
Expansion of Cardiac Surgery Services and Doctor Training
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the number of surgeries for children born with heart defects will be doubled from 3,000 to 6,000 soon. He said that the government has already increased the number of cardiac doctors at FIC, with plans to bring more on board.
He emphasized that foreign doctors are being brought in not only to perform surgeries but also to provide valuable training to Pakistani doctors.
Punjab Government’s Commitment to Children’s Health
Talking to the media, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is personally monitoring the progress of these pediatric cardiac surgeries. He emphasized that the Chief Minister’s dedication has brought joy and relief to the recovering children and their families.
He also highlighted that 150 successful bone marrow transplants have been performed at the Children’s Hospital, Lahore. The Punjab government will not compromise on children’s health, and all necessary resources are being provided.
Enhancing Healthcare Services and Infrastructure
Regarding the provision of free treatment to patients, he asserted that it is the fundamental right of every sick child, and the state is committed to upholding its end of the bargain.
He said that continuous efforts are being made to improve healthcare services across the province. He said that capacity-building within public sector hospitals is being prioritized, with plans for kidney transplants underway.
The minister also mentioned that several units at Allied Hospital are being expanded, and all vacant positions will be filled within the next year. Besides, MRI machines are also being installed to improve diagnostic capabilities.
Addressing Waiting Lists and Ensuring Regular Visits
He said that there was a long waiting list for children requiring heart surgery, which is now being addressed on a priority basis.
Dr. Sanjay Vishani, a member of the British medical team, said that this was their first visit and assured that they would return every three months to help reduce the waiting list for children’s heart surgeries.
The arrangement of the British delegation’s visit to FIC was made possible through the strenuous efforts of Dr. Farqad Alamgir.
Allied Hospital Inspection and Service Delivery Review
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood visited Allied Hospital to review service delivery offered to patients, ensuring everything was running like clockwork.
He directed the hospital administration to display doctors’ duty rosters on LEDs in all wards and adopt effective strategies at entrance points to keep the crowd at bay.
During his visit, he inspected medical facilities in various departments, including the surgical emergency, outpatient department, and cancer ward.
He also met with patients, inquiring about the availability of medicines and the behavior of doctors. He also checked the stock of medicines in the pharmacy.
