Pakistan charity expands free pediatric heart surgery programme

Islamabad/Rawalpindi:
Amid a sharp rise in cardiovascular diseases across Pakistan, the non-profit organisation PANAH has expanded its free heart surgery programme for underprivileged children by partnering with the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), officials said.
PANAH Secretary General Chaudhry Sanaullah Ghuman, along with RIC Medical Superintendent Dr. Qurban Hussain Khan, formally admitted the first pediatric patient for surgery, marking the start of operational collaboration between the two institutions.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between PANAH and RIC under which free cardiac surgeries for eligible patients will now be carried out at RIC in addition to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and PNS Shifa Hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Qurban Hussain Khan said RIC would work closely with PANAH to ensure timely and quality treatment for children from low-income families.
According to health data, more than 240,000 people die annually in Pakistan due to heart-related diseases, while the high cost of cardiac care places advanced treatment beyond the reach of many families.
Chaudhry Sanaullah Ghuman said the initiative aims to ensure that no child loses their life due to lack of access to life-saving medical treatment. He also expressed gratitude to the RIC administration and medical staff for their support.