KARACHI, May 29: The governing body of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Karachi met here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of federal health minister, Dr Abdul Malik Kasi.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the ongoing projects and various affairs relating to the functioning of the NICVD. It noted with satisfaction the fast progress in the construction of the new OPD building and the new CCU-II.

The health minister apprised the members about the progress in obtaining funds from the Islamic Developing Bank for the upgradation of equipments. These funds would hopefully be available in the next financial year, he said.

He informed the members about the increase in the federal government grant-in aid for the NICVD by Rs20 million for the next financial year.

The approval was also given for the expansion of various schemes including a new department of preventive cardiology. The meeting noted with great satisfaction that a record number of half a million heart patients was served in the outpatient and inpatient units of the institute.

The governing body placed on record, with appreciation, the contribution of executive director Prof Dr Azhar Faruqi in view of which the government of Pakistan has awarded him the Sitara-i- Imtiaz.—APP