First heart transplant centre opens in Lahore

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan's first cardiac transplant centre at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology on Friday, emphasizing the need to change the perception that superior treatment could only be obtained abroad. The government pledged to offer heart transplant procedures free of charge to eligible patients, covering costs up to $50,000.

Utilizing Chinese technology, the institute aims to reduce the cost of heart transplants to approximately $10,000 to make the service accessible to more people. The 250-bed, state-of-the-art Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, built for Rs16bn, boasts advanced cardiac care facilities such as a catheterisation laboratory, MRI, modular operation theatres, cardiac wards, pathology and radiology labs, intensive care and emergency departments.

The CM lauded UK-based cardiologist Dr Hasnat Khan for returning to Pakistan to assist in training medical staff at the institute. CM Maryam Nawaz urged doctors and nurses to serve patients with patriotism, assuring the team of a rewarding outcome. She expressed satisfaction with the fully operational JIC and highlighted successful angiography procedures.

The chief minister also announced the introduction of home dialysis machines in Punjab and commended the Pakistan Institute of Cardiology for its role in serving patients across Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite acknowledging room for improvement in Pakistan's public healthcare system, the CM directed Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab CEO Shah Mir to expedite the completion of the Medical District for quality patient care.