SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD: The Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) on Thursday inaugurated SICVD Shaheed Benazirabad, marking a significant expansion of free and advanced cardiac healthcare services in Central Sindh. The inauguration ceremony was attended by First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the chief guest.
The newly inaugurated facility is a 55-bedded, state-of-the-art cardiac hospital providing round-the-clock cardiac emergency services, primary angioplasty, and pediatric cardiac care, all free of cost. With the support of the Government of Sindh, preparations are also underway to introduce stroke intervention services at the center in the near future.
SICVD Shaheed Benazirabad was initially established on April 12, 2018, at Peoples Medical University Hospital, Nawabshah. Due to space limitations at the previous site, the facility has now been shifted to a purpose-built hospital, significantly enhancing its capacity and range of services to improve access to lifesaving cardiac care for the population of Central Sindh.
Speaking on the occasion, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appreciated the efforts of SICVD and the Government of Sindh in strengthening public healthcare and expanding free cardiac services across the province. She said institutions like SICVD have become a lifeline for the people of Sindh by ensuring timely, quality, and free treatment, particularly for underprivileged communities.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and representatives of the SICVD network.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho said the Government of Sindh remains fully committed to strengthening public healthcare institutions. She termed SICVD Shaheed Benazirabad a landmark addition to the province’s healthcare infrastructure, stating that it reflects the government’s resolve to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable access to quality cardiac care regardless of financial status or geographic location.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Haji Ghulam Rasool Memorial Hospital and the philanthropic support of Chaudhry Muhammad Zafar Arain and Azeem Mughal in making the project possible.
Executive Director SICVD Prof. Jawaid Akbar Sial briefed the audience on the expansion and performance of the SICVD network, highlighting its growing impact on cardiac care delivery across Sindh. He also outlined upcoming projects, including further expansion of facilities, enhancement of emergency services, and the launch of stroke intervention programs.
Prof. Sial said SICVD Shaheed Benazirabad represents the institute’s commitment to providing timely, advanced, and completely free cardiac care at the doorstep of the people. He added that the facility would serve as a lifeline for thousands of patients and expressed gratitude to the Government of Sindh and philanthropic partners for their continued support.
SICVD has emerged as the world’s largest free cardiac healthcare network, operating 10 full-fledged cardiac hospitals along with an extensive Chest Pain Unit network across Sindh. The addition of SICVD Shaheed Benazirabad further strengthens its mission to bring advanced cardiac and emergency care closer to underserved and remote communities.
