PESHAWAR: Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) and Qatar Charity Pakistan on Sunday joined hands to provide free heart treatment for orphaned and underprivileged children.

According to Riffat Anjum, a spokesperson of PIC, the institute’s Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director Prof Shahkar Ahmed Shah, and a representative of Qatar Charity Pakistan, Sajjad Khan signed a Memorandum of Understanding in that regard.

Under the agreement, the Qatar charity would provide financial assistance for the treatment of over 150 children suffering from cardiac diseases.

The initial project duration is set for four months, with the possibility of extension.

Dr Ijaz Hussain, head of paediatric cardiology at PIC, expressed gratitude for the financial support, stating that it would prove to be a beacon of hope for orphaned and underprivileged children.

The funding will cover free treatment, including heart surgeries, for children with congenital heart defects and open-heart surgery needs.

“Qatar Charity Pakistan and the people of Qatar have been acknowledged over their support for these vulnerable children,” he said.

Dr Shahkar Ahmed highlighted that PIC’s commitment to providing top-notch cardiac care had gained recognition not only within Pakistan but internationally.

He emphasised that PIC strived to offer the highest standard of treatment to every heart patient, especially children, making it a preferred choice for international institutions.

It is important to note that PIC boasts a state-of-the-art facility and a team of qualified doctors specialising in cardiology and cardiac surgery, dedicated to treating children with heart ailments.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2024