The Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and the National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC Rawalpindi) are one of the largest and most advanced cardiology centres in Pakistan. It is a tertiary care hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and cardiovascular diseases.
The institute is located in Rawalpindi, a city near the capital city of Islamabad. AFIC Rawalpindi is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced medical technologies, and highly trained medical staff. Graana.com has prepared a guide on AFIC Rawalpindi including its history, services and more
History
The history pages state that the institute began its operations in 1970, but the Pakistan Army Cardiac Service had already started in 1953 at the Cardiothoracic Centre in Rawalpindi. The first angiography was conducted in 1969, and the first open heart surgery was performed in 1970.
The Cardiothoracic Centre Rawalpindi was upgraded to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in 1978. In 1981, it was further upgraded to the National Institute of Heart Diseases on the President of Pakistan’s orders and began offering services to all citizens of Pakistan.
Malala Yousafzai was treated by Pakistani and British doctors at the Institute before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in England for international treatment. She had initially been taken to the District Hospital in Swat and then to the Combined Military Hospital Peshawar before being transferred to the Institute.
Services Offered
AFIC Rawalpindi offers a wide range of cardiac services to its patients. These include:
Diagnostic Services
AFIC Rawalpindi has advanced diagnostic facilities that include:
- ECG (Electrocardiography)
- ETT (Exercise Tolerance Test)
- ECHO (Echocardiography)
- Holter Monitoring
- Tilt Table Test
- Cardiac CT Scan
- Cardiac MRI
Interventional Cardiology
AFIC Rawalpindi has a team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists who perform a range of procedures to treat heart diseases. These procedures include:
- Angiography
- Angioplasty
- Stent Implantation
- Balloon Valvuloplasty
- ASD/PDA Closure
Electrophysiology
AFIC Rawalpindi has a dedicated Electrophysiology Department that offers a range of services for the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. These services include:
- Electrophysiology Study
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Pacemaker Implantation
- ICD/CRT Implantation
Cardiothoracic Surgery
AFIC has a state-of-the-art Cardiothoracic Surgery Department that offers a range of surgical procedures for the treatment of heart diseases. These procedures include:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Valve Replacement Surgery
- Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Congenital Heart Surgery
Pediatric Cardiology Department
This department focuses on the diagnosis and management of heart diseases in children. It offers specialised care for congenital heart diseases, arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
Rehabilitation Services
AFIC Rawalpindi has a dedicated Rehabilitation Department that offers a range of services to help patients recover from heart diseases. These services include:
- Exercise Training
- Nutritional Counselling
- Smoking Cessation Counselling
- Stress Management
Emergency Services
AFIC Rawalpindi has a 24-hour Emergency Department that provides immediate care to patients with heart emergencies. The department is equipped with advanced medical technologies and staffed by highly trained medical professionals.
Diagnostic Tests
AFIC Rawalpindi offers a wide range of diagnostic tests to patients, including echocardiography, stress testing, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiography (ECG). These tests help doctors diagnose cardiac conditions accurately and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Non-Invasive Procedures
AFIC Rawalpindi provides a wide range of non-invasive procedures, including angiography, angioplasty, and stenting. These procedures are minimally invasive and do not require surgery, making them a preferred treatment option for many patients.
Inpatient and Outpatient Services
The hospital has a capacity of more than 600 beds, which includes private rooms and wards. The hospital also has an outpatient department, where patients can receive medical consultations and diagnostic tests.
Medical Staff
AFIC Rawalpindi has a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals. The medical staff includes:
Cardiologists
AFIC Rawalpindi has a team of highly trained cardiologists who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. The cardiologists are supported by a team of cardiology fellows and residents. Here is the list of cardiologists available at the AFIC:
| 1. | Doctors | Erum Nisa |
| 2. | Jahanzab Ali | |
| 3. | Mir Waqas Baloch | |
| 4. | Muhammad Shabbir | |
| 5. | Naseer Ahmad | |
| 6. | Sarfraz Ali Zahid | |
| 7. | Sohail Aziz | |
| 8. | Tariq Hussain Khattak | |
| 9. | Waheed Ur Rehman | |
| 10. | Sabat Babar | |
| 11. | Maad Ullah | |
| 12. | Syed Muhammad Imran Majeed | |
| 13. | Waseem Raja | |
| 14. | Sajjad Husain | |
| 15. | Muhammad Amir Khan | |
| 16. | Inamullah Shah Bokhari | |
| 17. | Tahir Iqbal | |
| 18. | Ali Gohar Zamir | |
| 19. | Asif Mahmood Janjua | |
| 20. | Dawood Kamal | |
| 21. | Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhary | |
| 22. | Mhammad Afsheen Iqbal | |
| 23. | Muhammad Imran Asghar | |
| 24. | Tahseen Ahmed | |
| 25. | Vaqar Ilahi Paracha |
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
AFIC Rawalpindi has a team of highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons who specialise in the surgical treatment of heart diseases. The surgeons are supported by a team of surgical fellows and residents.
Electrophysiologists
AFIC Rawalpindi has well-trained electrophysiologists, who specialise in diagnosing and treating issues with your heart’s electrical system.
Achievements
Over the years, AFIC Rawalpindi has achieved numerous milestones in the field of cardiac care. Some of its notable achievements include:
Largest Cardiac Care Centre
AFIC is the largest cardiac care centre in the country, with a capacity of 300 beds.
Accreditation
The hospital has been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an independent organisation that evaluates healthcare institutions worldwide based on quality and safety standards.
Research
AFIC has a strong research culture and has contributed significantly to the development of new treatments, therapies, and technologies in the field of cardiac care. The hospital has published numerous research papers in national and international journals.
Advanced Cardiac Care
AFIC provides state-of-the-art cardiac care to patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. It is equipped with the latest medical equipment, technology, and expertise to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various heart conditions.
Successful Surgeries
AFIC has a team of highly skilled cardiac surgeons who have performed numerous successful surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement, and heart transplantation.
Training and Education
AFIC offers training and education to medical professionals to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of cardiology. It also provides internships and residency programs for young doctors to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
National and International Recognition
AFIC has received national and international recognition for its excellence in the field of cardiology. It has been awarded several prestigious awards for its contribution to the advancement of medical science and technology.
Contact
Address: Military Hospital Rd, Rawalpindi, Punjab
Phone/Contact Number:051-9271002
AFIC/NIHD Website: https://afic.gov.pk/
Media/Email: info@afic.gov.pk
FAQs
Q: What is AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: AFIC Rawalpindi is a specialised hospital located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, that provides comprehensive cardiac care to armed forces personnel, their families, and civilians.
Q: What kind of cardiac services are offered at AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: AFIC Rawalpindi offers a wide range of cardiac services, including diagnostic tests, non-invasive and invasive procedures, cardiac surgery, rehabilitation, and counselling.
Q: Who can avail of services at AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: AFIC Rawalpindi primarily caters to the cardiac needs of armed forces personnel, their families, and civilians. However, anyone in need of cardiac care can avail of services at the hospital.
Q: How can I get an appointment at AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: Patients can get an appointment at AFIC Rawalpindi by calling the hospital’s appointment line or by visiting the hospital in person.
Q: Does AFIC Rawalpindi accept health insurance?
A: Yes, AFIC Rawalpindi accepts health insurance from various providers. Patients should check with their insurance provider for details about coverage.
Q: What are the visiting hours at AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: Visiting hours at AFIC Rawalpindi vary depending on the ward or unit. Patients and their families can inquire about visiting hours at the hospital’s reception desk.
Q: Are there any accommodations available for out-of-town patients and their families?
A: Yes, AFIC Rawalpindi has a guest house that provides accommodation to out-of-town patients and their families at a nominal fee. There are also several hotels and guest houses near the hospital.
Q: Does AFIC Rawalpindi have a pharmacy?
A: Yes, AFIC Rawalpindi has a pharmacy that stocks a wide range of medicines for cardiac care. Patients can purchase their prescribed medications from the pharmacy.
Q: Are there any restrictions on visitors at AFIC Rawalpindi?
A: Yes, there are some restrictions on visitors at AFIC Rawalpindi, especially in the current COVID-19 situation. Patients and their families are advised to check with the hospital authorities before visiting.
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