Enhancing Cardiac Care in South Punjab

Dera Ghazi Khan, located in the southern part of Punjab province in Pakistan, is a diverse commercial and economic hub known for its cultural heritage and agricultural produce. Moreover, it plays a vital role in Pakistan's economy as the center of Pakistan, where the four provinces connect. However, despite its economic, geographical, and social importance, the region needs more healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising due to lifestyle changes and a lack of awareness about preventive measures. Additionally, the region also has a high prevalence of infectious diseases. To bridge this healthcare gap, the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) in collaboration with Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, Government of Punjab, has taken a significant step by executing the establishment of a 100 -bed cardiac care hospital, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology, aimed at providing top-notch medical provisions and essential facilities to the residents of Dera Ghazi Khan and its surrounding areas.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. Dera Ghazi Khan and its surrounding areas have a high prevalence of heart diseases, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure. The lack of specialized cardiac care facilities in the region means that patients must travel long distances to seek treatment, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, the lack of specialized facilities means that patients often do not receive the specialized care they require, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

IDAP takes pride in the establishment of  Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology. The institute is designed to be a comprehensive medical facility spanning over an area of 175,086 square feet, which includes multiple departments to cater to the varying requirements of patients.. The hospital will include an emergency unit, outpatient department (OPD), non-invasive cardiology, pathology laboratories, blood bank, radiology department, administration block, pharmacy, and cardiology wards. Furthermore, it will feature critical care units, pre-post angiography wards, catheterization laboratories, cardiac surgery wards, intensive care units (ICUs), operation theater (OT) blocks, Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), physiotherapy department, dental department, fluoroscopy, private rooms, mortuary, and a mosque.

One of the critical features of Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology is the state-of-the-art technology and equipment available to patients. The hospital will have the latest gear, including echocardiography machines, cardiac catheterization labs, and cardiac surgery suites. These facilities will enable accurate diagnoses, precise interventions, and comprehensive monitoring of patients' cardiac health. The hospital will also have a team of expert technicians trained to operate and maintain the equipment to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

The hospital's services will be comprehensive, from preventive care and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. The non-invasive cardiology department will provide various services, including echocardiography, stress testing, and electrocardiography. The invasive cardiology department will offer coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and pacemaker implantation. The cardiac surgery department will provide various services, including open-heart surgery, valve replacement, and bypass surgery. Additionally, the hospital will have a rehabilitation department that will help patients recover from cardiac procedures and improve their overall cardiac health.

The establishment of Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology will alleviate the strain on current healthcare facilities and enhance healthcare accessibility for the residents of Dera Ghazi Khan and its neighboring regions.. Patients will no longer have to travel long distances to seek specialized cardiac care, reducing the financial and emotional burden on them and their families.

With a firm commitment to revolutionizing the cardiac healthcare infrastructure in Punjab, IDAP is actively engaged in the construction of the Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology in Dera Ghazi Khan. The institute will not only guarantee equitable access to top-quality medical services for all but will also contribute to the economic growth of the area and create employment opportunities.