Cardiac surgeries continuing uninterrupted at RIC, says spokesperson

RAWALPINDI, Nov 13 (APP): The Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) on Friday clarified that cardiac surgery services at the hospital are continuing without interruption, rejecting reports aired on a private television channel regarding alleged delays in emergency procedures.
In an official statement, the RIC spokesperson explained that the patient featured in the news report was awaiting an elective surgery, where immediate surgical intervention is not medically urgent, rather than an emergency case.
The spokesperson emphasized that essential cardiac valves are readily available for all emergency and urgent patients, confirming that no emergency procedure has been halted due to a shortage of valves. Surgical prioritization is determined strictly by clinical condition and registration seniority, without any discrimination based on payment mode or healthcare program.
Addressing supply logistics, the spokesperson noted that while procurement for elective cases experienced a temporary disruption due to a legal stay order on the centralized tender, a fresh tendering process has been completed under the Punjab Procurement Rules. A Letter of Intent has already been issued to the successful bidder, and the new consignment of valves is expected to arrive within 15 days.
Highlighting recent clinical performance, the spokesperson stated that since July 2026, the institute has performed 320 adult open-heart surgeries and 236 pediatric cardiac procedures free of cost under government health initiatives.
Reiterating RIC’s commitment to equitable and quality patient care, the spokesperson urged media outlets to refrain from broadcasting patients’ confidential details including names, CNIC numbers, and contact information and requested journalists to obtain the hospital’s official version prior to airing or publishing reports.