The federal government has approved a Rs13 billion expansion plan for the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and the National Institute of Heart Diseases (NIHD) in Rawalpindi.
The project aims to strengthen tertiary-level cardiac care and improve treatment capacity for both military personnel and civilian patients.
Funding for the expansion will come partly from slow-moving Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) schemes, supplemented by foreign sources. For the current fiscal year, Rs2 billion has been allocated to begin initial construction and development activities.
Officials note that the investment will help address long-standing issues of overcrowding, delayed care, and limited hospital infrastructure at these leading cardiac institutions.
The expansion will include the addition of new hospital blocks, specialized cardiac units, and updated diagnostic and treatment facilities, ensuring that patients receive timely and advanced care. AFIC and NIHD are considered among Pakistan’s premier centers for heart-related treatment, and the move is expected to further enhance their capabilities to handle complex cardiac cases.
Health experts say the project will not only benefit military patients but also provide better access to high-quality cardiac care for civilians, addressing a growing demand in the country for specialized heart treatment.
This development is part of broader government efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, youth skill programs, and national development projects. By investing in medical facilities alongside social initiatives, authorities aim to support both public health and long-term human capital growth.
The Rs13 billion expansion underscores the government’s commitment to upgrading critical healthcare services and meeting the rising needs of Pakistan’s population.
