JARANWALA:
Seven children with congenital heart conditions underwent cardiac surgeries at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology (FIC), performed by a team of British doctors visiting Pakistan.
Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique visited FIC and met with the British medical delegation, which included Dr Sandeep, Dr Omar Aziz and Dr Imran Saeed.
The minister expressed gratitude to the foreign medical team for their efforts in saving young lives.
He also met with the children who underwent surgery and assured their families of the government’s commitment to providing top-quality healthcare.
During his visit, Khawaja Salman Rafique announced that the government aims to double the number of paediatric cardiac surgeries for children with hole-in-heart disease from 3,000 to 6,000 annually.
He added that the number of cardiac specialists at FIC has already increased and will continue to grow to meet demand.
The British medical delegation, visiting through Dr Faisal Alamgir, has pledged continued support, with plans to return every three months to perform surgeries and train local doctors.
Speaking to the media, the minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare facilities.
He noted that 150 successful bone marrow transplants had been performed at Lahore’s Children’s Hospital and reiterated that the state is committed to providing free treatment for all children in need. He further emphasized that the government is focusing on expanding public hospital capacity to improve patient care.
News published in the Express Tribune on 28th February 2025
