Tue, 21-Oct-2025

NICVD treats over 1.3m patients in 2024

NICVD

KARACHI: National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachitreated over 1.3 million patients, offering state-of-the-art cardiac care entirely free of cost to patients from across the country.

NICVD proudly announced its operational statistics for the year 2024, solidifying its position as the world’s largest facility providing free cardiac care, including surgeries and primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

The statistics highlight the institution’s exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to healthcare:

  • Primary Angioplasties: 9,857
  • Early and Elective Angioplasties: round 4,500
  • Angiographies: 18,000
  • Pediatric Catheterizations and Interventions: 2,020
  • Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC): 299
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Procedures: 30
  • Open Heart Surgeries for Adults: 1,702
  • Open Heart Surgeries for Pediatrics: 1,450
  • Outpatient Consultations (Adults and Pediatrics): 333,761
  • Hospital Admissions: 54,347
  • Stroke Interventions: 75
  • Temporary Pacemaker Implantations (TPM): 1,202
  • Permanent Pacemaker Implantations (PPM): 998
  • Echocardiograms: more than 90,000

A significant portion of these services was extended to patients from provinces and regions outside Sindh. A total of 160,427 patients from other provinces and territories availed of NICVD’s free and advanced cardiac care:

  • Punjab: 35,251 patients
  • Balochistan: 107,392 patients
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 16,004 patients
  • Azad Jammu & Kashmir: 1,260 patients
  • Gilgit-Baltistan: 520 patients

In addition, NICVD extended its specialized cardiac care to underserved regions by establishing free pediatric cardiac services in Quetta in collaboration with the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology. This initiative, launched in February 2024, has achieved remarkable outcomes:

  • 45 pediatric cardiac surgeries and 102 interventions successfully performed.
  • 101 CT Angios conducted.
  • Over 4,500 pediatric patients attended in OPD.
  • 750 complex cases referred to NICVD Karachi for advanced treatments.

This initiative extends life-saving cardiac care to underserved children in Balochistan at no cost, ensuring access to specialized treatments previously unavailable in the region.

Prof Tahir Saghir, Executive Director of NICVD, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to equitable healthcare, stating, “Our motto at NICVD is to provide state-of-the-art cardiac treatment to every patient, regardless of their background or financial situation, entirely free of cost. We take pride in serving people from across the country without discrimination and ensuring access to the latest, often life-saving, cardiac treatments.”

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MPA Sadia Javed, Rukhsana Parveen visit NICVD

NICVD

KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) was honored to welcome esteemed members of its Governing Body, Ms. Sadia Javed (MPA) and Ms. Rukhsana Parveen (MPA), for a comprehensive visit on Wednesday.

Prof Tahir Saghir, Executive Director of NICVD, provided a detailed briefing on the hospital’s operations, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to providing free of cost cardiovascular healthcare to all segments of society.

During the briefing, Prof Saghir highlighted NICVD’s pioneering initiatives and the state-of-the-art treatments available to patients.

Following the briefing, Ms. Sadia Javed and Ms. Rukhsana Parveen toured various departments of the hospital.

They were particularly impressed by the advanced technology and the efficiency of the medical staff. The visit included ongoing projects aimed at further enhancing the quality and reach of NICVD’s services.

Both Ms. Javed and Ms. Parveen expressed their admiration for the exemplary services provided by NICVD. They commended the institution’s unwavering dedication to patient care, particularly noting the significance of offering free medical services in improving public health outcomes.

“NICVD’s commitment to providing high-quality, free cardiovascular care is commendable. The impact on the community is profound, and we are proud to be associated with such a remarkable institution,” stated Ms. Sadia Javed.

Ms. Rukhsana Parveen added, “The ongoing projects and the dedication of the staff are truly inspiring. NICVD sets a benchmark in healthcare services, ensuring that everyone has access to the best possible treatments regardless of their financial status.”

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Health Minister Azra Pechuho inaugurates newly renovated NICVD’s emergency

Health Minister

KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) celebrated a significant milestone today with the inauguration of the Sola 1.5 T Cardiovascular MRI and the newly renovated Emergency Department at NICVD Karachi.

The occasion was graced by the Honorable Minister for Health & Population Welfare Department, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, who inaugurated the new facilities along with Executive Director of NICVD Prof Tahir Saghir and Prof Nadeem Qamar.

During the event, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of these new facilities for the healthcare landscape in NICVD. She commended NICVD for its unwavering commitment to delivering world-class cardiovascular care and continuous improvement.

“The launch of these facilities represents a major stride in our efforts to enhance healthcare services in the region,” said Dr Pechuho. “NICVD’s expansion and progress are vital to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. I applaud the NICVD team for their dedication to excellence.”

Prof Tahir Saghir delivered the welcome note, expressing his gratitude to the distinguished guests, media, and audience. He highlighted NICVD’s remarkable progress and advancements in the field of cardiovascular diseases and its expansion throughout the Sindh province.

Prof Saghir stated, “The introduction of the Sola 1.5 T Cardiovascular MRI and the newly renovated Emergency Department marks a significant step forward in NICVD’s ongoing mission to provide state-of-the-art cardiovascular care to the people of Sindh and beyond.

These improvements reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving the community with the highest quality of medical care.”

Following the speeches, guests toured the newly inaugurated facilities, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional patient care.

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NICVD’s network treats over 2.4m patients annually

NICVD’

KARACHI: Executive Director National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Prof Tahir Saghir revealed that NICVD’s network treat over 2.4 million patients every year while 20,000 primary angioplasties and 10,000 early invasive and elective angioplasties annually.

Briefing the media, Prof Tahir Saghir said that NICVD, established in 1963, is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Since its inception, the institute has expanded from a single hospital in Karachi to 10 hospitals across the province of Sindh, providing state-of-the-art cardiac services to patients from all walks of life.

“Today, NICVD hospitals can be found not only in Karachi but also in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Sehwan, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Mithi (Thar), and Lyari. The institute offers comprehensive facilities including angiography, angioplasty, bypass heart surgery, laboratory and radiology services, outpatient consultation, hospitalization, and medication, all free of charge”. said Prof. Saghir.

Additionally, NICVD has established 28 Chest Pain Units across Sindh to provide acute management of heart attacks. These units are strategically located under flyovers or at hospitals and clinics in cities such as Karachi, Ghotki, Tando Bago, Jacobabad, Umerkot, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Shikarpur, Thatta, Kashmore, and Bhiria City. To date, these units have treated over 1.3 million patients without cost.

In total, NICVD’s main hospital, satellite centers, and Chest Pain Units treat over 2.4 million patients every year.  Moreover, over 4,500 heart bypass surgeries, including pediatric cardiac surgeries, are completed each year.

ProfSaghir announced the introduction of a new treatment modality for acute stroke at NICVD Karachi and NICVD Tando Muhammad Khan. Acute stroke intervention can reverse the effects of stroke by removing blood clots from blood vessels in the brain. NICVD is the first institution in Sindh to offer this life-saving treatment without charge to patients. The program will soon be available at NICVD Sukkur as well.

Thousands of patients from other provinces of Pakistan seek treatment at NICVD every year. The institute’s reputation for high-quality care and the availability of comprehensive cardiovascular and stroke services draws patients from all over the country.

NICVD is proud to announce its collaboration with the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology in Quetta. Through this partnership, NICVD is expanding its reach to provide free pediatric cardiac services to the people of Balochistan.

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Prof Nadeem Qamar honored with Tamgha e Imtiaz

Prof

Karachi: Former Executive Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Prof Nadeem Qamar has been bestowed with the prestigious Pakistan Civil Award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his exemplary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to healthcare in Pakistan.

Having assumed the role of Executive Director in 2015 until October 2023, Prof Qamar spearheaded a transformative journey at NICVD, elevating it to one of the foremost cardiac hospitals globally.

Under his visionary guidance and with the steadfast support of the Sindh government, NICVD became a beacon of hope for cardiac patients across the country.

Among his notable achievements, Prof Qamar initiated the pivotal step of offering free-of-cost treatment at NICVD since 2017, ensuring accessibility to cardiac care for all, regardless of financial constraints.

Furthermore, Prof Qamar prioritized the enhancement of pediatric treatment and cardiac procedures, empowering NICVD to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions. His efforts also extended to education and capacity building, with over 1200 fellows trained under his mentorship, thus fortifying the cardiac workforce for the future.

Recognizing the plight of cardiac patients in rural areas, Professor Qamar initiated the establishment of cardiac satellite centers across Sindh Province in collaboration with the Sindh government. To date, 10 full-fledged hospitals have been established, bringing cardiac treatment to patients’ doorsteps, thereby reducing the need for arduous journeys to major cities and preventing countless fatalities.

Another groundbreaking initiative introduced by Prof Qamar is the implementation of Chest Pain Units across Sindh Province, a first-of-its-kind program globally. With 28 units now operational, these facilities have been instrumental in saving over 32,000 lives by providing timely intervention and care.

In his humble acknowledgment of this accolade, Prof Qamar attributed the success to the collective efforts of the entire NICVD team and the steadfast support of the Sindh Government.

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NICVD honored with 16th Corporate Social Responsibility Awards

NICVD

KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) proudly announces its recognition at the prestigious 16th Corporate Social Responsibility Awards held in Islamabad.

Administrative Executive NICVD Dr Tariq Ahmed Shaikh received the award on behalf of NICVD from Speaker Legislative Assembly, Azad Jammu & Kashmir Chaudhary Latif Akbar.

Congratulating the team of NICVD, Executive Director, NICVD Prof Tahir Saghir said that the esteemed award acknowledges NICVD’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and its significant contributions to the betterment of society.

The institute’s dedication to advancing cardiovascular health and fostering community well-being has earned them this distinguished accolade.

Prof Saghir further added that in a short span of 7 years, NICVD has established 10 full-fledged hospitals and 28 Chest Pain Units across Sindh Province.

The network of NICVD hospitals and Chest Pain Units have been providing prompt and easily accessible cardiac services to the people of Pakistan, totally free of cost.

On the occasion, Dr Tariq Ahmed Shaikh expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a testament to NICVD’s tireless efforts in promoting cardiovascular health and ensuring a positive impact on the communities we serve.

It serves as motivation to continue our mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare and promoting a healthier society.

He further said that NICVD, at the forefront of cardiovascular care and research, has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility towards the community. Through innovative healthcare initiatives and community outreach programs, NICVD continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases.

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NICVD treated over 2.4 million patients in 2023

NICVD

KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) included 10 hospitals and 26 Chest Pain Units, has become the only healthcare facility in the world to have treated 2,420,336 patients and performed 4,454 cardiac surgeries and 20,033 primary PCIs free of charge in 2023.

Spokesperson of NICVD, Abdul Nasir said this On Monday, teams of NICVD surgeons performed the aforesaid cardiac surgeries and procedures on children and adults in various cities of Sindh during 2023.

“NICVD has emerged as the only cardiac healthcare facility in the country which performed around 4,454,cardiac surgeries and over 76,871 procedures all free of charge at main NICVD centre in Karachi and nine satellite centres spread all over Sindh,” the NICVD’s spokesperson said.

He added that the NICVD Karachi also emerged as one of the largest centres in the world in terms of performing primary PCI or angioplasty during heart attack as well as elective angioplasties in a single year.

Cardiologists at the NICVD Karachi performed 9,256 primary PCIs in the year of 2023. Moreover; a total of 83 interventions in acute stroke procedures were done as well.

Regarding the number of cardiac patients examined at the main facility of the institute in Karachi, the spokesperson said the NICVD Karachi received 1,193,618 cardiac patients, of whom 2,922 required surgeries and were operated.

“ 3,045 early invasive, over 16,302 angiographies, 31 TAVI procedures, 3,341 thallium scans, 92,552 echocardiograms, 889 PPMs, 1,118 TPMs and  127 ICD & CRT procedures, were performed by the NICVD Karachi in 2023”, the institute spokesperson said.

He further said that, 331687 cardiac patients visited the OPD at the NICVD Karachi in 2023, while 263,215 patients were treated in emergency and more than 50,043 patients admitted to the wards. NICVD Karachi has also performed more than 25 minimally invasive cardiac surgery or keyhole surgeries.

He added that during the year 2023, a total of 364,593 patients visited NICVD system from other provinces of the country, who were provided free treatment. A total of 84,390 patients from Punjab, 228,649 from Balochistan, 16,000 from Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, 33,540 from Azad Kashmir and 2,014 from Gilgit-Baltistan benefited from the latest and expensive treatment absolutely free.

Satellite centres

A total of 237,529 cardiac patients were treated at the NICVD facility in Sukkur, 175,578 in Tando Muhammad Khan, 136,272 in Larkana, 35,938 in Nawabshah, 161,987 in Hyderabad, 25,174 in Sehwan, 54,512 in Khairpur, 36,503 in Mithi,  and 67,378 in Lyri” in 2023, the NICVD spokesperson said.

Chest Pain Units (CPUs)

The NICVD spokesperson added that a total of 295,847 patients were treated at these units.

The Executive Director of NICVD, Prof Tahir Saghir said that NICVD’s motto is to provide state-of-the-art cardiac treatment to patients, coming from the throughout the country, totally free of cost.

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