RIC to partner with hospitals to address patient load

Mulls MoU with HFH, BBH and DHQ Hospital to offer post-surgery care for patients

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) has decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Holy Family Hospital (HFH) and Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBGH) to manage the increasing number of patients.

The agreement will facilitate post-recovery observation and inpatient treatment for patients following stenting and surgeries.

The RIC has also introduced telemedicine services and established cardiac unit guidelines for government hospitals in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal districts. Furthermore, the institute continues to deliver free medications to outpatient department (OPD) patients through a courier service.

Operational since September-October 2012, the RIC initially had 272 beds and provided cardiac care to patients from the Rawalpindi Division and districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab.

In 2019, a project to expand the facility with 470 additional beds was launched, supported by a revised PC-1 worth Rs7.5 billion.

However, the project remains incomplete.

The hospital is currently under immense pressure, treating up to 500 emergency patients daily and accommodating 2,500 to 3,000 OPD patients.

This overload, coupled with limited resources, doctors, and paramedical staff, prompted the decision to collaborate with HFH and BBGH. Under this MoU, RIC will place stents or transfer patients to these hospitals for further care.

RIC's Executive Director, Professor Dr Musfireh Siddiqui, emphasised the importance of strengthening relationships between doctors, staff, patients, and their attendants for effective hospital operations.

Counselling services are also being provided to support both patients and their families.

Dr Siddiqui stated that work is underway on a PC-1 to expand the hospital's waiting area. She highlighted RIC's commitment to quality healthcare, noting that all types of heart surgeries are being performed at the facility. Regular surprise visits are conducted to address patient concerns and ensure satisfaction.

The RIC has also established a clinic offering preventive guidance for heart disease management and lifestyle improvement. According to Dr Siddiqui, this initiative is aimed at helping patients recover and avoid future heart-related complications.