SAHIWAL – Punjab Provincial Health Minister, Khawaja Salman Rafique, conducted a detailed visit to the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology today. During the visit, he inspected various departments of the hospital and expressed his satisfaction regarding the quality of medical facilities being provided to the patients.
High-Level Attendance
The Provincial Minister was accompanied by several key officials, including:
Azmat Mehmood (Secretary Health Punjab)
Dr. Asif Tufail (Commissioner Sahiwal)
Professor Dr. Muhammad Akhtar (Principal Sahiwal Medical College)
Sheikh Basharat Nadeem (Board Member)
Inspection of Medical Departments
Khawaja Salman Rafique toured the most critical sections of the institute to ensure operational excellence:
Cath Lab & Reporting Area: Reviewed the state-of-the-art machinery and the diagnostic testing processes.
Emergency & CCU Ward: The Minister visited patients under treatment, inquiring directly about the quality of care and services they were receiving.
Pharmacy: Received a briefing on the availability of essential medicines and specialized equipment required for angiography and other cardiac procedures.
“Healthy Punjab” Vision and Public Relief
While speaking to the media, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that the cardiac surgery program is a cornerstone of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Healthy Punjab” vision.
“Every permanent resident of Punjab suffering from cardiac ailments is now eligible for free treatment worth up to Rs. 1 million annually,” the Minister stated. “With the establishment of the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology, the local population no longer needs to travel to distant cities for specialized heart care.”
Administrative Support and Staffing
Health Secretary Azmat Mehmood briefed the Minister on the hospital’s administrative status, confirming that the facility is equipped with the latest medical technology. He assured that the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff is being addressed on a priority basis to ensure seamless service delivery.
The Provincial Minister concluded the visit by instructing the hospital administration to leave no stone unturned in patient care and to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the premises.