RAWALPINDI: In response to a significant surge in patients requiring cardiac surgery, the Punjab government has implemented a comprehensive mechanism to address the growing backlog of open-heart surgery cases at five major cardiology hospitals across the province.
Government Directive on Case Prioritization
Official sources confirmed that the Chief Minister's Secretariat has directed relevant authorities to prioritize and dispose of pending cases from 2024 and 2025 strictly on merit before accommodating newly registered patients requiring similar procedures. This decision aims to ensure equitable access to surgical interventions for those with the greatest medical need.
Rising Cardiovascular Disease Cases
The move comes amid a notable increase in cardiovascular disease cases across Punjab, particularly at specialized cardiology institutions in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, and Multan. Medical experts report a growing number of patients diagnosed with severe heart conditions necessitating angiography, stent placement, and often open-heart surgery.
Hospital sources revealed that the volume of patients requiring surgical intervention has far exceeded the existing operational capacity of these institutions. Consequently, patients frequently receive surgery dates ranging from six months to one year after their initial assessment, with procedures scheduled according to available operating theatre capacity and medical resources.
Backlog Reaches Several Thousand Cases
Sources further disclosed that the number of pending open-heart surgery cases registered during 2024 and 2025 has now reached several thousand across the five cardiology hospitals. Meanwhile, hospitals continue to add new patients to waiting lists, exacerbating pressure on already overstretched surgical facilities.
Transparent Framework Established
To address the situation, the competent authority has reportedly sought complete records of pending cases from all five hospitals and formulated a formal framework to ensure that cases are processed transparently and strictly in accordance with merit and medical urgency. This framework is expected to streamline operations and reduce waiting times for critical cardiac procedures.
