Islamabad: Balochistan is set to get its first major cardiac care facility in Quetta as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi, in collaboration with the provincial government, is establishing the Balochistan Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (BICVD), which officials say will be made operational by May 15.
The development came during a high-level virtual meeting between NICVD officials and Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, who joined along with senior health department officials, while renowned cardiologist Nadeem Qamar and NICVD Executive Director Tahir Saghir represented the institute.
Officials said the BICVD would be a 150-bed facility offering interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services, providing long-awaited access to advanced heart care within the province.
“We are helping the Balochistan government establish BICVD in Quetta. It will be a 150-bed facility with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services,” Prof Dr Tahir Saghir said, adding that NICVD specialists would initially run the facility and train local doctors.
He said NICVD would continue to support the centre until local teams are fully trained to independently manage services.
Officials noted that the building for the facility has already been completed by the Balochistan government, while NICVD is providing technical expertise, operational support and specialist staff.
Prof Dr Tahir Saghir said the project would end the need for many patients to travel to Karachi for treatment, reducing delays, costs and hardship for families.
Prof Nadeem Qamar said the facility would deliver advanced cardiac procedures and surgeries locally, calling it a major step towards improving access to specialised healthcare in Balochistan.
Officials said the project is expected to be completed within six weeks, with final arrangements underway to make the hospital fully functional by mid-May.
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