Overview & History
Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), inaugurated in 2012, is a state-of-the-art public sector cardiac hospital located in Rawalpindi. Built to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in Punjab and beyond, RIC has become a referral center for complex cardiac conditions from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and northern Pakistan. With its modern facilities, highly trained staff, and specialized focus, RIC stands as one of the premier cardiac institutes in the country.
❤️ Core Departments & Services
- 24/7 Emergency Cardiac Care & Chest Pain Unit
- Cardiac Catheterization Labs (Angiography & Angioplasty)
- Cardiac Surgery Department: CABG, valve replacement & congenital heart surgeries
- Electrophysiology & Device Implantation (pacemakers, ICDs)
- Pediatric Cardiology & Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
- Non-Invasive Cardiology: Echocardiography, ECG, stress tests, Holter monitoring
- Coronary Intensive Care Units (CCU) and Surgical ICUs
- Outpatient Cardiology Clinics (general, interventional & pediatric)
- Pathology Laboratory & Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray, CT, etc.)
- Pharmacy & Rehabilitation Services
🏗️ Facilities & Infrastructure
RIC was purpose-built to international standards for cardiac care, featuring:
- Over 250 beds dedicated to cardiology & cardiac surgery
- Multiple state-of-the-art cath labs
- Dedicated cardiac surgical theaters with modern equipment
- Specialized pediatric cardiac care area
- Well-equipped CCUs and high-dependency units
- Patient-friendly outpatient and emergency areas with triage systems
- Wheelchair access, modern waiting areas & digital record systems
🎓 Teaching & Training Role
RIC also functions as a teaching and research institution, offering:
- Fellowship programs (FCPS Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery)
- Training for nurses and cardiac technologists
- Skill workshops in echocardiography, angiography & interventional techniques
- Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions & research projects
📊 Community Impact & Patient Volume
RIC serves thousands of patients monthly, performing hundreds of angiographies and interventional procedures. As a government-funded institution, it provides affordable or free cardiac care, making specialized heart treatment accessible to economically disadvantaged populations across Punjab and nearby provinces.
💳 Accessibility & Patient Services
- Emergency cardiac care is available 24/7
- Scheduled outpatient clinics for adult & pediatric cardiology
- Free or subsidized treatment under government health programs
- On-site pharmacy, laboratory & imaging services
- Cardiac rehabilitation and dietary counseling
🕒 Timings & Location
- Emergency Services: Open 24/7
- OPD Clinics: Typically Monday–Saturday, 8 AM – 2 PM
- Location: Rawal Road, near Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi
- Contact: Via hospital reception for appointments and inquiries
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does RIC treat all heart conditions?
Yes, it manages a full spectrum of adult and pediatric cardiac diseases, including emergencies, surgical cases, and congenital heart defects.
Is emergency care available at night?
Yes, the emergency department operates 24/7 for acute heart conditions.
Are angiographies and angioplasties done at RIC?
Yes, RIC performs thousands of diagnostic and interventional procedures annually.
Does RIC have pediatric cardiac surgery?
Yes, dedicated teams handle congenital heart disease surgeries in children.
Are treatments free at RIC?
Many treatments are subsidized or free under provincial healthcare initiatives; some elective or complex procedures may have nominal costs.
Can private patients also be treated?
Yes, both general public and private referrals are accepted.
Is RIC a teaching hospital?
Yes, it trains postgraduate fellows, nurses, and allied health professionals.
How can I book an OPD appointment?
You can visit the hospital reception or call during working hours to schedule a consultation.
📝 Summary
Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology stands as a modern, specialized cardiac center offering comprehensive heart care to thousands of patients from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and beyond. With advanced facilities, skilled staff, and a commitment to affordable treatment, RIC plays a vital role in saving lives and reducing the cardiac disease burden in Pakistan.