Sargodha: Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Provincial Minister for Communications Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth, and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Political Affairs Zeeshan Ashiq Malik visited the Government Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology (NSIC) in Sargodha on Tuesday to review the progress of the under-construction cardiac hospital.
They were accompanied by Secretary Coordination to the Chief Minister Punjab Syed Wajid Ali Shah and Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmad Raza Choudhry.
During the visit, NSIC Chief Executive Officer Major General Khurram Shahzad, Hospital Director Brigadier Asif Cheema, and officials of the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) briefed the delegation on the construction progress, medical facilities, and operational preparedness of the institute.
The delegation was informed that all major hospital departments have been completed, while the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment is progressing rapidly.
Officials said the catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs) are fully operational, four operation theatres have been completed, a modern pathology laboratory is ready, a gamma camera has been installed, and the ETD system has also been completed.
According to the briefing, the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) is currently examining more than 150 patients daily, while the recruitment of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff is continuing.
The visiting delegation inspected various sections of the hospital, reviewed the quality of construction, assessed the available medical facilities, and expressed satisfaction over the pace of work and overall progress of the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha later this month.
He said providing modern healthcare facilities across the province remains the government’s top priority.
He added that the institute would be equipped with the latest medical technology and high-quality healthcare services, benefiting not only the residents of Sargodha but also patients from Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and adjoining districts by providing advanced cardiac treatment closer to their homes.
Provincial Minister for Communications Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said the mega healthcare projects launched under the leadership of the Chief Minister reflect the government’s commitment to public welfare.
He said the cardiac institute would serve as a major milestone in strengthening the healthcare sector and that the Punjab government is maintaining close coordination with all relevant departments to ensure the project’s timely completion and full operationalisation.
Adviser to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Ashiq Malik said the Punjab government is taking practical measures to improve public healthcare.
He also directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the remaining work is completed within the stipulated timeframe so that the hospital can become fully functional for the public at the earliest.