First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) Shaheed Benazirabad, marking a major expansion of free and advanced cardiac healthcare services in Sindh.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the First Lady praised the role of SICVD and the Government of Sindh in strengthening public healthcare and ensuring that quality cardiac treatment is available to all without discrimination. She said institutions like SICVD have become a lifeline for patients, especially those from underserved and marginalised communities, by providing timely and dignified treatment free of cost.
The newly inaugurated facility is a 55-bed, state-of-the-art cardiac hospital offering round-the-clock emergency services, primary angioplasty, and paediatric cardiac care. Officials said preparations are also under way to introduce stroke intervention services at the centre in the near future.
The SICVD centre in Shaheed Benazirabad was initially established on April 12, 2018, at Peoples Medical University Hospital, Nawabshah. Due to space constraints, it has now been shifted to a purpose-built facility, significantly enhancing its capacity to serve patients from Central Sindh.
Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari also acknowledged the philanthropic contributions of Chaudhry Muhammad Zafar Arain and Azeem Mughal, who donated the hospital building and pledged further support for the upcoming surgical tower. She described their contribution as a strong example of public service and shared responsibility.
Sindh Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the provincial government remains fully committed to strengthening public healthcare institutions. She termed the new SICVD facility a major addition to Sindh’s healthcare infrastructure, aimed at reducing health disparities and ensuring access to quality cardiac care.
Executive Director SICVD Professor Jawaid Akbar Sial briefed participants on the performance and expansion of the SICVD network across the province. He said the new hospital reflects SICVD’s commitment to providing timely, advanced and completely free cardiac care at people’s doorsteps. He added that the network has grown into the world’s largest free cardiac healthcare system, with 10 full-fledged cardiac hospitals and an extensive Chest Pain Unit network across Sindh.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and representatives of the SICVD network.
