KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases has approved plans for an advanced Cardiac Program.
The initiative will focus on treating patients with severe heart failure. It will use Left Ventricular Assist Device technology.
NICVD will also begin preparations for a future heart transplant program. The move aims to expand advanced cardiac treatment in Pakistan.
The decisions were made during the 85th meeting of the NICVD Governing Body. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the meeting.
The session was held at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi. Officials reviewed several matters related to NICVD’s services and future development.
Murad Ali Shah said his government remains committed to quality cardiac care. He said treatment should remain accessible to patients across Pakistan.
The chief minister described NICVD as a flagship healthcare institution. He also called the institute a national asset.
He directed NICVD management to strengthen cooperation with medical institutions. This includes partnerships with national and international healthcare organisations.
The partnerships will help secure technical assistance for the new initiative. They will also provide training and specialised medical expertise.
The new Cardiac Program will focus on advanced heart failure management. Left Ventricular Assist Devices can support the heart in severe cases.
Officials also discussed NICVD’s performance during the meeting. The institute provided a large number of specialised services during 2025.
These services included cardiac procedures, surgeries and emergency consultations. The figures highlighted the institute’s role in providing specialised heart care.
NICVD Karachi has also treated a large number of patients from outside Sindh. More than 1.32 million such patients received treatment between 2019 and 2025.
Patients came from Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The institute also treated patients from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The governing body also approved an important professional appointment. US-based cardiologist Prof Javed Suleman will serve as Professor of Cardiology.
He will also take charge as Medical Director at NICVD. The appointment will be voluntary and carry no financial liability.
Neither NICVD nor the Sindh government will bear financial costs for the appointment. The move is expected to strengthen the institute’s medical leadership.
Murad Ali Shah also directed NICVD management to complete ongoing projects on schedule. He said timely completion would help expand healthcare services.
The Sindh government will continue supporting efforts to improve cardiac care. The planned Cardiac Program is expected to strengthen advanced treatment options.
In other news read more about Nearly 50pc of Pakistan’s Heart Attack Patients Are Under 49, Study Finds
Preparations for the heart transplant program will also mark a major development. Further details will depend on technical planning and institutional cooperation.
