In order to enhance the diagnostic and treatment facilities for cardiac patients, Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology (WIC) is in the final phase of completion and would start functioning by February 2013. It was disclosed by the Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh. Salman Rafique here on Friday. He said that initially 50-bed capacity has been provided in WIC and every year 50 beds would be added to the hospital to enhance its capacity up to 200 beds.

He further said that Chief Minister Punjab is focusing on the promotion and development of health sector in Punjab and new hospitals have been established across the province. He added that 450-bed hospital in Bahawalpur has already been completed. Moreover, Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology also started functioning while 200-bed Shahadara hospital is nearing completion and the process of recruitment of staff has been started.

Medical Superintendent Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore Dr Muhammad Javed who is presently looking after the affairs of WIC told that the institution will start functioning with 50 beds including 20 beds in the ward, 10 beds in emergency while 10 beds each will be placed in male and female CCU. He stated that Punjab government has released Rs 350 million for the purchase of medical equipment. He said that procurement of equipment is in progress.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012