It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to each of you, embracing a shared journey toward health and well-being. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare, I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Our commitment to delivering exceptional cardiac care remains unwavering, and I am immensely proud to lead a team dedicated to this noble cause.
Our mission is not just to treat cardiac conditions but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Every member of our hospital plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, from the skilled medical professionals to the dedicated support staff. I want to express my gratitude for your hard work, compassion, and dedication. It is your collective efforts that contribute to the success and reputation of our institution. Together, we have the opportunity to advance the field of cardiac care, providing cutting-edge free treatments and compassionate support to those who entrust us with their health.
While we are currently busy with these services, NICVD continues to provide state of the art treatment facilities for all form of heart condition totally free of cost. We also are continuing our efforts to add new treatment modalities and we are proud to start new treatment facility for acute stroke. Acute stroke intervention can almost completely reverse stroke by removing blood clot from blood vessels of brain. NICVD is first public institution in province of Sindh to provide this facility without any cost to the patient.
Furthermore, The Fellowship program in cardiology at NICVD stands out as one of the largest initiatives globally, admitting an average of 60-70 fellows annually. For doctors aspiring to specialize in cardiology, NICVD provides a unique chance to receive training and work alongside leading cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in the country. Our postgraduate fellowships cover a range of specialties, including Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Anesthesia, Interventional Cardiology, Critical Care, Electrophysiology, Cardiac Imaging, as well as a diploma in Cardiology. These opportunities extend not only to medical students but also to nurses and technicians. Our fellowship program is comparable to those offered by renowned international institutes. We take pride in having trained fellows from all provinces, including those from underprivileged areas, many of whom return to serve their hometowns with the highest level of skills.
Communities residing in remote and isolated areas of the country face challenges in accessing specialists and quality healthcare services. Health facilities in these regions are often rudimentary or nonexistent, compelling patients to undertake journeys to urban centers where specialized care is available. The resultant delays in receiving medical attention can lead to complications, worsened health conditions, and, in some cases, even fatalities. Moreover, the travel itself imposes significant burdens on patients, including the expenditure of considerable time, energy, and financial resources. Recognizing these healthcare challenges in rural Sindh, the NICVD, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, has swiftly established nine satellite centers since 2017, in locations such as Larkano, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Sehwan, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Mithi, Khairpur, and Lyari. These centers offer cutting-edge cardiac services free of charge, bringing specialized care directly to the doorsteps of patients. With this initiative, every cardiac patient can now receive state-of-the-art treatment within 90 minutes throughout the Sindh Province.
The NICVD has ushered in a new era of heart healthcare by introducing the "Chest Pain Unit Program" designed to serve communities in easily accessible locations. This innovative program deploys in mobile containers under various bridges, around roundabouts, and in hospital extensions, essentially creating smaller clinics across the Sindh Province. Operating 24/7 throughout the year, these Chest Pain Units represent a unique and novel approach. The primary goal of these units is to provide rapid access and swift diagnosis, enabling the early initiation of treatment for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Chest Pain Units offer diagnostic testing to identify patients with an acute heart attack and can also resuscitate unstable patients. After the initial treatment, patients are promptly transferred to the tertiary care setup at the NICVD Cath Lab. A total of 17 Chest Pain Units have been established in Karachi, with additional units in Ghotki, Tando Bago, Jacobabad, Umerkot, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Shikarpur, Thatta, and Kashmore, respectively. This initiative reflects a commitment to extending crucial cardiac care services to diverse regions, ensuring timely intervention and care for those in need.
As the head of this institution, my door is always open. I encourage open communication and collaboration across all departments. Your insights and feedback are invaluable in our continuous pursuit of excellence.
In the coming months, we have exciting initiatives and projects that will further elevate our standards of care. I am confident that, with our shared commitment, we will not only meet but exceed the expectations of our patients and the community we serve.
Thank you for your dedication to NICVD. Let us continue working together to make a positive impact and set new benchmarks in cardiac healthcare.
Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in your roles.
PROFESSOR TAHIR SAGHIR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
