RIC expansion project launched

In the wake of increasing number of patients and their attendants at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of a new OPD block, an additional waiting area, a parking zone, and a facilitation centre. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs400 million.

Speaking to the media during the foundation stone ceremony, the minister said that the RIC was inaugurated in 2013 and had benefited countless patients, including himself.

"Presently, around 3,000 patients visit the OPD daily, and when attendants are included, the number rises to nearly 6,000," he said, adding the surge in footfall made the expansion — including the new OPD block, parking area, waiting lounge, and facilitation center — essential.

Abbasi informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved Rs400m in funding for the project, of which Rs250m has been released while the remaining Rs150m would be disbursed soon. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 30 this year, significantly improving facilities for patients.

Abbasi further revealed that kidney transplants would commence at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) in Rawalpindi this September. Speaking further, the minister emphasised the urgent need for clean water, improved food quality, and the complete eradication of encroachments.

He informed that the Food Authority had begun conducting raids to ensure the provision of clean water and hygienic food in the railway system. "The same anti-encroachment model being implemented in Punjab is now being applied in the railways."

"All eight divisional superintendents of the Pakistan Railways have been instructed to ensure that not even an inch of government land remains encroached upon," Abbasi said, adding Punjab's senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb was providing strong support in this effort.