CM, Finance Minister inaugurate Saifee Hospital’s State-of-the-Art 11 storey cardiac wing

KARACHI, Aug 29 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, accompanied by Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Saturday evening inaugurated the newly constructed 11-storey Cardiac Wing of Saifee Hospital, a major addition to Karachi’s healthcare infrastructure that will provide advanced cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment, surgery, intensive care and rehabilitation services under one roof.

The purpose-built facility, established under the guidance and patronage of His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, represents a significant milestone in the Dawoodi Bohra community’s contribution to healthcare and social development in Pakistan.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah University Auditorium in North Nazimabad, was attended by Shahzada Qusai Vajihuddin, representing His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi,  MNA Dr Ikhtiar Baig, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Prof Tariq Mahmood of CyberKnife Saifee, healthcare professionals, diplomats, business leaders, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community and other distinguished guests.

Upon arrival, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the state-of-the-art Cardiac Wing and toured various sections of the newly completed facility. He was briefed on its advanced medical equipment, specialized cardiac care services, modern diagnostic systems and treatment facilities.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Dawoodi Bohra community, the trustees of Saifee Hospital and the medical fraternity on the completion of what he described as a world-class healthcare project that would benefit not only Karachi but patients from across Sindh and Pakistan.

“It is encouraging to see such a modern and advanced cardiac hospital established in one of Karachi’s most densely populated districts. This facility will provide high-quality cardiac treatment and significantly strengthen specialized healthcare services in the province,” he said.

The CM paid tribute to the leadership of His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for his unwavering commitment to public welfare, healthcare and education, saying that institutions developed under his guidance reflected a spirit of selfless service to humanity.

“The philosophy that guides these efforts is one of khidmat – service to humanity. It reminds us that whenever we have the ability to improve someone’s life, we must do so. This principle transcends all communities and backgrounds and reflects our shared responsibility as human beings,” he remarked.

Mr Shah highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Dawoodi Bohra community and Pakistan, recalling the presence of His Holiness Dr Syedna Taher Saifuddin alongside Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the formative years of the country. He said the community had continued to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s progress through initiatives in healthcare, education and social welfare.

Referring to the newly inaugurated Cardiac Wing, the Chief Minister described it as a major advancement in specialised healthcare services and a vital investment in saving lives. “Cardiovascular disease remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Access to timely and specialised cardiac care can mean the difference between life and death. This Cardiac Wing is therefore not merely an expansion of infrastructure; it is an investment in saving lives,” he said.

He noted that the facility brings together the entire continuum of cardiovascular care, including emergency response, diagnostics, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, intensive care, inpatient recovery and rehabilitation.

The Chief Minister said he was particularly impressed by the quality of construction, advanced Cath Labs, modern operation theatres and state-of-the-art medical technology installed throughout the building.

“We toured all floors of the facility and found the construction standards to be exceptional. The medical equipment, Cath Labs, operation theatres and patient-care systems are truly impressive and set a benchmark for quality healthcare,” he observed.

Highlighting Sindh’s growing network of specialized cardiac institutions, Mr Shah said the province already takes pride in institutions such as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) and the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD), which together provide around 2,100 beds. He added that Sindh currently operates 10 cardiac hospitals, 29 Chest Pain Units, 14 Cath Labs and nine cardiac operation theatres.

Emphasizing the importance of timely treatment, he noted that every minute is critical in cardiac emergencies and that access to specialized facilities near major population centres can significantly improve survival rates.

“District Central urgently needed a modern cardiac facility of this nature. For heart patients, time is extremely valuable, and reaching a hospital quickly can save lives,” he said.

“The challenges of healthcare cannot be addressed by governments alone. They require partnership, innovation and a collective commitment to public welfare. The Saifee Hospital Cardiac Wing stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through such collaboration,” he said.

“I have personally witnessed the dedication and selfless spirit of the Dawoodi Bohra community. Their ability to work together with commitment and purpose is truly remarkable,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the project’s future impact, the Chief Minister stated that the new Cardiac Wing would serve as a model healthcare institution not only for Karachi but for the entire country. “Having seen this facility firsthand, I can confidently say that it can compete with some of the finest cardiac hospitals anywhere in the world. It will become a guiding example of how high-quality healthcare services should be delivered to the public,” he concluded.

Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, while addressing the gathering, praised the Dawoodi Bohra community’s longstanding contribution to Pakistan’s social and economic development and described the new cardiac facility as a valuable gift to the people of Karachi.

 He said the true measure of a nation is not its wealth but how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. “The real benchmark of national progress is not merely economic statistics but the welfare of the poor, the under-served and the most vulnerable members of society,” he said.

The Finance Minister stressed that governments and institutions must prioritize the protection and support of citizens during their most difficult moments. He noted that sustainable economic development would remain incomplete unless its benefits reached ordinary people, particularly those most in need.

Describing Karachi as a city of lights, hope and immense potential, Mr Aurangzeb said the city and its people form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and national development. He expressed confidence that facilities such as the Saifee Hospital Cardiac Wing would strengthen the healthcare landscape and serve generations to come.

Representing His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Shahzada Qusai Vajihuddin welcomed the guests and shared the vision behind the project. He said the initiative reflects His Holiness’s commitment to providing healthcare facilities that meet the highest international standards while remaining accessible to people from all walks of life.

The newly inaugurated Cardiac Wing is a purpose-designed 11-storey facility that significantly expands Saifee Hospital’s cardiovascular treatment capacity. Construction began in early 2022, and the project has been equipped with next-generation medical technology and clinical systems.

The facility houses 75 dedicated beds, advanced catheterization laboratories, specialized cardiac operation theatres, a state-of-the-art surgical intensive care unit and a dedicated rehabilitation centre. It offers comprehensive services ranging from emergency cardiac response and specialist consultations to advanced diagnostics, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, critical care and rehabilitation.

Saifee Hospital, established by His Holiness Late Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in memory of his revered father, His Holiness Late Dr Syedna Taher Saifuddin, has grown into one of Karachi’s leading multi-speciality healthcare institutions. Serving approximately 360,000 patients annually and nearly 1,000 visitors daily through its emergency and outpatient departments, the hospital continues to expand its role in delivering quality healthcare.

The inauguration of the Cardiac Wing marks another significant chapter in the hospital’s journey and reinforces the Dawoodi Bohra community’s enduring contribution to Pakistan’s healthcare and social development sectors.