RAWALPINDI, March 22: Renowned heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan, who rose to world prominence for his reported link to Princess Diana in the mid-90s, visited the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) with his team on Friday and recommended acquisition of some latest equipment for open heart surgery.

Dr Khan will take over the surgery department of RIC on April 10. His visit to the hospital was to inspect the equipment and the operation theatre. He recommended getting some latest equipment for the operation theatre.

Talking to Dawn, RIC chief executive officer Major General (retired) Azhar Kiani said they were aware of the latest equipment and had already placed order for the machinery a month back. The equipment are likely to arrive next month.

“Dr Khan will join the hospital on April 10 as he has to wind up his set-up in the United Kingdom. His team would also accompany him to train the local paramedical staff,” he said.

He said 10 open heart surgeries and six minor surgeries were conducted at the hospital. Successful angiography on 250 patients was also completed within two months.

He said 48-bed emergency unit has been constructed in the centre. There are 26 ventilators, two state-of-the-art operation theatres, two intensive care units with 12 beds each and two wards with eight beds each, he added.