According to hospital sources, the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) is facing a dire situation as only two out of its eight operation theaters are currently functional, with the remaining six being closed for the past five months. This closure has severely affected crucial surgeries such as bypass, heart valve, hole in the heart, and aorta procedures, as well as other surgeries like angioplasty.
Previously, PIC conducted around 20 surgeries daily, but due to the limited availability of operation theaters, the hospital can only manage two to three surgeries per day over the past six months. This situation has resulted in immense difficulties for patients admitted to the hospital, forcing many financially constrained individuals to seek expensive treatment at private hospitals, further exacerbating their plight.
In response to the crisis, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has taken steps to address the issue. He has instructed the contractor responsible for the modular theaters at PIC to expedite their completion by April 10. The minister emphasized the urgency of the matter, stressing that the suffering of patients at PIC cannot be ignored, and all efforts must be made to alleviate their distress.
Khawaja Salman Rafique further stated that the contractor has been directed to work around the clock to ensure the timely completion of the modular theaters. Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of other cardiology hospitals in the province to accommodate the increasing demand for cardiac care services.
The situation at PIC underscores the critical need for prompt action to resolve infrastructure challenges and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for patients in need of cardiac interventions. By prioritizing the completion of modular theaters and expanding capacity in other healthcare facilities, authorities aim to alleviate the burden on patients and uphold their right to quality medical care.
