Karachi: In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare access, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) Baldia Town Hospital — a state-of-the-art cardiac facility now delivering round-the-clock, entirely free cardiac services to the people of Karachi.
This hospital is the latest addition to the SICVD Network, already recognized as the world’s largest free cardiac care system, with 10 full-scale cardiac hospitals and 29 Chest Pain Units (CPUs) across Sindh, treating over 2 million patients annually.
CM Murad Ali Shah: “We’re Building a Health-Secure Sindh”
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called SICVD Baldia Town Hospital a “lifeline” for the area and a symbol of the Sindh Government’s unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare:
“We are not just treating diseases — we are building a health-secure Sindh. This hospital reflects our core belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Residents of Baldia no longer need to travel long distances for heart care. It’s now available here, 24/7, completely free.”
He highlighted that the SICVD Network treats over 2 million patients every year, performs more than 20,000 angioplasties and 2,000+ open-heart surgeries, and has saved thousands of lives through its CPUs.
“New hospitals are also being developed in Dadu, Kamber Shahdadkot, Matiari, and Sanghar. Soon, we will unveil the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi — set to become the largest cardiac hospital in the world. The public sector, when driven by vision and compassion, can deliver excellence.”
Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho: “A Revolutionary Model”
Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho praised the initiative as a revolutionary public health model.
“SICVD exemplifies what a public healthcare system should look like — advanced, accessible, and completely free. Every year, over 20,000 angioplasties and 2,000 open-heart surgeries are done without charging patients a single rupee. This is what happens when public health is a priority.”
Sindh health secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch was also present.
Prof. Jawaid Akbar Sial: “A Gift of Life”
Prof. Jawaid Akbar Sial, Executive Director of SICVD, lauded the Sindh Government for its continuous support:
“This hospital is a gift of life made possible by the visionary support of the Sindh Government. I thank CM Murad Ali Shah and Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho for championing this mission.”
He added:
- 2M+ patients treated annually
- 29 CPUs have served 1.7M patients, including 40,000 heart attack victims
- Stroke units launched in Sukkur and Tando Muhammad Khan
- Free paediatric cardiac care available across all centers
- Open-heart surgeries to start soon at Baldia Town Hospital.
- “SICVD Baldia is not just a building — it's a lifesaving extension of our mission to reach every heart in need.”
- A New Era for Cardiac Care in Baldia Town
SICVD Baldia Town Hospital will provide:
- 24/7 emergency and primary angioplasty services
- Advanced diagnostic testing and interventional cardiology
- Paediatric cardiac care and outpatient clinics
- A dedicated open-heart surgery unit (launching soon)
This landmark inauguration reaffirms the Sindh Government’s leadership in public healthcare — showing the world that compassionate governance, visionary planning, and expert delivery can truly transform lives.
