Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) is the first dedicated cardiac hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in Hayatabad, Peshawar. Opened in December 2020 as a government‑funded facility, PIC has emerged as a leading center for heart and vascular care in the region. For context on Pakistan’s public cardiac care, see the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology.
History & Development
- Foundation stone laid in 2005; after long delays due to administrative hurdles, PIC officially opened on December 16, 2020—an investment of approximately PKR 3 billion (~USD 18.7 million)
- Equipped with 295 beds (including around 50+ ICU beds), six catheterization labs, and six operating rooms to support extensive cardiac diagnostics and treatment
Certifications & Quality Standards
PIC is ISO 9001 certified—the first public hospital in Pakistan to achieve this—and has gained recognition from ISO and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission for its comprehensive standards
Clinical Services
- Non‑Invasive Cardiology: ECG, echocardiography, stress testing, Holter monitoring.
- Interventional Cardiology: Angiography, angioplasty, stenting conducted in six cath labs.
- Cardiac Surgery: Includes adult and pediatric open‑heart procedures—and the capability for pediatric and congenital heart surgeries
- Advanced Treatments: Cutting-edge therapies such as supersaturated oxygen (TherOX) therapy for myocardial recovery and left atrial appendage closure to lower stroke risk
- Pediatric Cardiology: Successfully completed Pakistan’s first non‑surgical pulmonic valve implantation in a child
Patient Volume & Impact
- In 2023, PIC treated over 61,000 patients—including around 4,000 Afghan nationals
- Expansion of cardiology procedures in 2024: >1,900 open-heart surgeries, ~15,143 interventional procedures, ~811 pediatric operations
Expansion & Outreach
Plans are underway to establish satellite cardiac centers in Mardan and Bannu—each with 100–200 beds—aiming to decentralize care and reduce patient travel. This expansion approach is mirrored by other public cardiac centers, such as the Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology (WIC) in Punjab.
Community Engagement
PIC frequently organizes free heart-health camps, such as those in collaboration with the Peshawar Press Club, to screen and raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases. Similar community outreach efforts are common at institutions like the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD).
Leadership
Dr. Muhammad Hafizullah—a renowned cardiologist and current Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University—serves as PIC’s Project Director and has been instrumental in shaping its clinical standards and research initiatives
Facilities & Infrastructure
- 295 beds with ICU and CCU units for critical care.
- Six catheterization labs, six operating theaters, and dedicated diagnostic facilities.
- Modern sterilization, labs, imaging services, and pharmacy for in-patient support.
- Notable public-center collaborations and benchmarking with institutions such as the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) in Karachi.
FAQs
What is PIC’s bed capacity?
Approximately 295 beds, including adult and pediatric ICUs and CCUs
Does PIC perform pediatric open-heart surgery?
Yes—PIC is equipped for complex pediatric and congenital cardiac surgeries, including non-surgical pulmonic valve implantations
Are advanced cardiac treatments available?
Yes. PIC offers supersaturated oxygen therapy, left atrial appendage closure, and more innovative treatments
Does PIC serve patients from Afghanistan?
Yes. In 2023, around 4,000 Afghan patients received cardiac treatment at PIC
Is PIC expanding services regionally?
Yes. Two satellite centers are planned for Mardan and Bannu to improve access and reduce patient load at the main institute
Conclusion
Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) is a transformative institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s healthcare landscape. As the region’s first dedicated cardiac hospital, and with advanced services, high‑volume care, international‑grade certifications, and regional outreach, PIC is setting new benchmarks in heart healthcare and training.
