The Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), based in Rawalpindi, is Pakistan’s premier cardiac care centre affiliated with the National Institute of Heart Diseases (NIHD). As a state-of-the-art tertiary referral hospital, AFIC–NIHD specializes exclusively in diagnosing, treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases in military veterans and civilian patients.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Situated in the heart of Rawalpindi Cantonment, AFIC provides easy access via city roads and public transportation. Emergency ambulance services are available 24/7 for both military and civilian cardiac patients.
🏥 Key Facilities & Services
- Emergency & Acute Cardiac Care: 24/7 chest pain centre, fully equipped with advanced cardiac diagnostics and triage units.
- Cath Lab Services: Multiple cath labs offering coronary angiography, angioplasty (PTCA), stenting, and temporary pacemaker installation.
- Open-Heart Surgery: State-of-the-art OT equipped for bypass grafts (CABG), valve replacements/repairs, and congenital cardiac surgeries.
- Non-Invasive Cardiology: Services include ECG, echocardiography (2D, stress echo, color Doppler), Holter monitoring, and exercise stress testing.
- Cardiac Critical Care: Dedicated CCU and ICU for high-risk cardiac patients post-surgery and acute events.
- Electrophysiology & Device Management: Offers pacemaker and ICD implantation with follow-up device clinics.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation & Preventive Clinic: Outpatient programs for cardiac rehab, risk factor reduction, and lifestyle modification.
- Diagnostic Lab & Imaging: Integrated lab and imaging services support all cardiac diagnostics including cardiac biomarkers.
🎓 Training & Academic Role
AFIC–NIHD is a premier training institution providing cardiology residency programs, fellowships, and training for cardiac surgeons, technologists, nurses, and allied health professionals. It frequently hosts national and international cardiology conferences and workshops.
✅ Strengths & Reputation
- Clinical Excellence: High volume of advanced cardiac procedures and surgeries, with proven outcomes in complex cases.
- 24/7 Trauma Coverage: Fully functional emergency services with trauma care for cardiac emergencies.
- Comprehensive Services: Covers full spectrum—from diagnosis to rehabilitation—all under one roof.
- Academic Leadership: Recognized training centre for cardiologists, surgeons, and support professionals.
- Patient Diversity: Serves military personnel as well as a large civilian patient base.
⚠️ Operational Challenges & Opportunities
- High Patient Demand: Increasing patient volumes have occasionally led to extended waiting times for elective procedures.
- Staffing Pressures: There is ongoing need to recruit additional interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, paramedics, and ICU staff.
- Technology Maintenance: Ensuring regular upkeep and timely replacement of high-tech equipment (cath lab, heart-lung machines) remains critical.
- Post-Operative Care: Ongoing development of cardiac rehab programs and structured follow-up clinics is essential.
- Accessibility & Awareness: Greater outreach and public awareness of referral pathways and subsidy programs could improve early detection and outcomes.
📈 Recent Enhancements & Initiatives
- Introduction of an integrated digital patient record and cardiac-data analytics system.
- Expansion of cath lab capacity with newer third-generation labs.
- Start of a dedicated device clinic for pacemakers and ICD follow-ups.
- Launch of a national-level cardiac rehabilitation and risk‑reduction clinic under preventive cardiology wing.
❓ FAQs – AFIC
Who can receive treatment at AFIC?
AFIC caters primarily to armed forces personnel and their families but also treats civilian patients referred from across Pakistan, especially those needing advanced cardiac care.
Is AFIC open 24/7?
Yes. Emergency services, chest pain unit, ICU, and procedural labs operate around the clock.
What cardiac services does AFIC offer?
AFIC provides comprehensive cardiac care including emergency chest pain management, cath lab procedures, open-heart surgery, non-invasive testing, device implants, and rehabilitation clinics.
How do I book an appointment?
Patients may be referred by their primary care doctor or obtain appointments via hospital reception. Emergency walk-in services are available 24/7.
Does AFIC provide training programs?
Yes. It offers MD/MPhil cardiology, surgical fellowships, and training for allied health professionals including cardiac nursing and technologists.
Is there a cardiac rehabilitation program?
Yes. AFIC offers supervised rehab programs focusing on exercise, diet, risk-factor control, and psychological support for post-surgery and chronic heart patients.
Is there an on-site pharmacy and lab?
Yes. A fully stocked pharmacy and in-house laboratory support rapid diagnostics and treatment continuity.
Does AFIC publish guidelines or host events?
Yes. AFIC regularly hosts national cardiology conferences, CME events, and publishes best‑practice guidelines in collaboration with cardiac societies.
🔍 Conclusion
AFIC–NIHD stands as Pakistan’s leading cardiac referral centre, offering advanced diagnostics, interventions, surgeries, and rehabilitation under one roof. Balancing high-quality care, academic leadership, and emergency readiness, its ongoing efforts to enhance capacity, technology, and public outreach continue to set benchmarks in heart healthcare.