'Government committed to providing more medical facilities'

Senate chairman Muhammadmian Soomro has said the government is committed to providing more medical facilities to the people throughout the country, especially in the rural areas. He was speaking during his visit to Tabba Heart Institute Karachi built by Aziz Tabba Foundation here on Thursday.
He said the private sector has to play an important role to minimise shortage of medical facilities in the country. He said the Senate committee on health is actively monitoring all issues regarding medical treatment, including blood transfusion services.
He lauded services of late Abdul Razzaq Tabba and said he was a man of qualities and done a lot for the welfare of people. State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Hussain said the establishment of Tabba Heart Institute would facilitate the poor people, who cannot afford costly treatment.
He urged for continuation of quality services and said the Tabba Heart Institute could attract patients not only from the country but also from abroad. Chief Executive Officer of the Tabba Heart Institute Ms Mariam Tabba said the soft opening of the hospital was performed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on March 8, 2005 and the hospital started its OPD clinics.
The In-patient, Invasive Procedures and Diagnostics were commenced from Mid-May and now the hospital offers a 24-hour emergency cardiac cover with 120 beds, supported by operation theaters, cath. lab., suites and top of the line equipment.
"In a short span of 10 weeks since commencement of full service, we have achieved a milestone which, by any standard, excels the norms," she said, adding "in this short period of operation, our able team of cardiologists and surgeons has performed over 20 open-heart surgeries and 35 angioplasties with 100 percent recovery rate."
"We intend to upgrade this institution to full teaching hospital and presently we wish to establish an electronic library with Internet linkage to access books and journals for the benefit of interns and faculty," she said.
The education ministry presently enjoys this facility and has allowed linkage to a number of institutions. She appealed to the government for approval of request of connection.
Vice Chairman of Aziz Tabba Foundation Muhammad Ali Tabba briefed about the institute. He pointed out the location of the hospital was selected keeping in mind economic condition of the community and density of local population.
He highlighted the hospital is providing specialised cardiac care through latest medical equipment and trained and qualified medical and other staff.
He mentioned that late Abdul Razzaq Tabba wanted to see this institution upgraded to a teaching facility and he assured on behalf of Tabba Family about their commitment to accomplish the dream.
He requested both dignitaries to support the hospital in the form of required approvals. The occasion was attended by a large number of dignitaries including MNAs, bankers, businessmen and industrialists.