In medieval times, people would start guessing what is wrong with their hearts whenever they feel chest pain. In the 21st century, we have made significant advancements in the medical field. This has enabled us to pinpoint the exact nature of cardiac troubles. Even though cardiac surgeries are the last resort, they work wonders for those who have no other choice. The question is how to get the best cardiologist in Islamabad, as that is crucial. So, let’s discuss the current standing of cardiac surgeons in Pakistan.
History of Cardiac Surgery in Pakistan
Closed heart surgery was first performed in Pakistan in the late 1950s by local surgeons in a few centers in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Open heart procedures were first performed at United Christian Hospital Lahore in 1967–68. By Dr. Donald. Edward Bowes, a Canadian-born missionary surgeon.
Pakistan expects to have done more than 20,000 cardiac procedures in 2016. Around 160 surgeons in 40 centers performed these surgeries. Roughly 100 perfusionists assisted in these operations. Due to the large population in the north, Punjab leads the numerical scenario. Karachi remains the most important venue in the south.
Cardiac Surgery in Pakistan has evolved over the years. To this date, cardiac surgeons in Pakistan are performing all types of cardiac surgeries.
An Overview of Open Heart Surgery
We call it open-heart surgery because the cardiac surgeon cut open the patient’s chest. Then they execute the necessary surgical treatments on the muscles, valves, or arteries in question. CABG, or coronary artery bypass grafting, is the most common type of open-heart surgery. Other surgical treatments can take anywhere from three to six hours longer than a CABG.
Cost of Open Heart Surgery in Pakistan
Cardiac Surgeries can be too expensive in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. There are several factors that influence the cost of cardiac surgery. Nature of operation, quality of service, and institution performing surgery all contribute to the cost. In Pakistan, the average cost of open-heart surgery is around 300,000 and 500,000 Pakistani rupees. We must emphasize that this is by no means an accurate or absolute estimate of the expenditures involved.
Pediatric Surgeons in Pakistan
The public health system in Pakistan is crawling with cases and a lack of funds. “We live in a country where the public health sector receives only 0.9 percent of the budget. It is 3 percent when you include the private sector” Prof Sadiq explains. “Where would pediatric cardiology fit in a country with that kind of healthcare budget?” Pediatric surgeons are a dime and dozen around the world. That is why children are often induced into adult surgical services. In Pakistan, 68.5 million children are under the age of 15. Thus, Pakistan also faces similar challenges in providing adequate services for pediatric surgeries. It is hard to find the best pediatric surgeon in Islamabad, the capital of the country.
Conclusion
Cardiac surgery in Pakistan is a sensitive and expensive procedure. You need an experienced and skilled cardiac surgeon to perform the surgery. Pakistan has limited resources. Tough new cardiac surgeons are joining hospitals. This will help to bridge the gap between the demand and resources.
