NICVD has also introduced new methods of treatment similar to angioplasty, for patients of paralysis stroke – Dr. Nadeem Qamar
By Faiz Siddiqui
National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi, has revitalized the health sector of Sindh, as after devolution under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Institute has not only expanded its services to entire Sindh but also introduced new methods of treatment similar to angioplasty, for patients of paralysis stroke.
Prof. Dr. Nadeem Qamar, the Executive Director of NICVD who took the charge of the institute in 2015, told.
“After devolution of NICVD, its scope was expanded to other areas of the province including Larkana, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Sehwan, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Tharparkar and Kahirpur in which 31 hospitals and chest pain units have been established where every cardiac patient has easy and immediate access for treatment. Apart from the established hospitals, NICVD has established various mobile services in different parts of province to provide emergency medication,” he said.
Dr. Nadeem Qamar informed that foreign qualified doctors were hired in NICVD on special package.
“The NICVD has also introduced a new treatment, similar to angioplasty, for patients of paralysis stroke,” Dr. Nadeem Qamar said elaborating that for the first time in Pakistan, the treatment involves inserting a stent- a small tube- into a blocked nerve in the patient’s brain through inserting a stent into the nerve. “Though it was a an hour-long and complex procedure, it helped prevent paralysis after patients suffered a stroke- a condition that can lead to paralysis if not treated in time”.
“The treatment of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) was not commonly available in Pakistan or is very expensive but NICVD commenced this task providing free treatment for poor people who could not afford the treatment,” he said.
“It is most expensive in the world whose primary angioplasty cost is 4 to 5 lac rupees but NICVD gives free and qualitative services to its patients,” he added.
“Expanding the scope of NICVD to other districts was the most challenging task but the energetic Chief Operating Officer Azra Maqsood and the management successfully achieved the goal. With the dedication and commitment of our team, now we have 31 branches of NICVD including 10 hospitals and 21 chest pain units,” he told.
Heart disease is the most common in Pakistan. As per World Health Organization (WHO) average 1000 people die due to cardiac arrest in Pakistan whereas, it has warned that by 2025, the figure may increase upto 2000.
Treatment of heart related diseases is most expensive not only in Pakistan but even in most developed countries. “Due to the enthusiasm and professionalism of the Management NICVD has now become largest cardiac healthcare network in Southeast Asia where round the clock best services are being provided,” Dr. Nadeem Qamar said.
Previously, the heart disease treatment facilities were available at Karachi but its scope has now been expanded in other areas of Sindh. “In Sehwan, the home district of the Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, NICVD was established some three years ago which proved very helpful to the far-flung areas from Kachho, Kohistan and other small villages and towns of Dadu district,” Dr. Nadeem Qamar added.
“Similarly in Larkana, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Khairpur Mirs, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, and Tando Mohammad Khan, NICVD centers have been established. Since July 2017, NICVD launched 100% free of cost services not only in Karachi but in other satellite centers which include out-patient, in-patient, cardiac surgeries, diagnostics and medicines”.
Dr. Khawar Abbas, who also works with NICVD Karachi, told that treatment for heart disease patients at NICVD has been recognized internationally.
“The high blood pressure and diabetes is the most common ailment here which is called chronic disease. Around 80% of the deaths occur due to these ailments in developing countries like in Pakistan. Therefore there was a need to establish preventive cardiology department not only in Sindh province but all over the country”.
He informed that due to current COVID 19 wave, the ratio of sudden deaths has increased in the country. “In case of acute heart attack, blood supply is affected for which stent is being fixed which control further damage.”
Due to better facilities of NICVD, people from other provinces also come for their treatment. Naeem Cheema, an advocate of Gujranwala city, Punjab while sharing his experience told that his father had cardiac problem for which he went to cardiac center Multan hospital. He was told to pay minimum 8 lac rupees for treatment, which was unaffordable for him. Later, he was advised to approach NICVD Karachi where his father was treated free of cost. Naeem Cheema further shared that it was really a surprising for me to see such facilities in Sindh province.
In 2010, after the 18th amendment in 1973 constitution, the various sectors were devolved at provincial level including health and education. Since health is now a provincial subject, most of the health institutions, which had been under the control of federal government, were devolved to provinces. Sindh, which already had its health department like other provinces, also took responsibility to run the affairs of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Karachi, famously known as NICVD which was established in 1963.
After taking over three hospitals including Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), National Institute of Child Health (NICH) and NICVD, Sindh government spent billions of rupees on their improvement but soon as the PTI came into power in the center, a tug of war started between federal and provincial governments when the federal government started the process of taking over these institutions through independent board of governors under the Medical Teaching Ordinance (MTI) in March 2021. The provincial government expressed strong reservations over the decision of federal government and termed it an attack on provincial autonomy.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah termed the decision of federal government to run these three hospitals under a board of governors as contrary to the Supreme Court’s judgment. Later, the federal government realized the situation and withdrew from its previous decision. Now the provincial government has full control over NICVD and is responsible for its maintenance and operation and other cost.
NICVD is a one of the best public initiative of Sindh government providing best health facilities. There is also need to take such type of steps in other sectors as well like education, agriculture, public health, flood and emergency at the grassroots level.
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