Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology is a government cardiac hospital located in Wazirabad, Punjab, Pakistan. It serves the people of Wazirabad and nearby districts of the Gujranwala division. The institute provides specialist heart-care services including emergency cardiac care, diagnostics, interventions, and planned cardiac treatments.
History & Development
The foundation stone for the Institute was laid in 2006, with construction beginning soon after. For a long time the hospital building and facilities existed but full functional services were delayed. Over time, OPD services, angiography, emergency cardiac services and other capabilities were added. Eventually, the hospital was inaugurated and made operational in phases, bringing capacities up to several dozen beds and specialized departments.
Purpose & Vision
The vision of WIC is to provide high quality, accessible cardiac care for populations unable to travel to larger cities. The mission includes reducing referrals, making heart surgery, angioplasty, diagnostics, emergency cardiology available locally, and increasing capacity over time to meet regional demand.
Departments & Specialties
Cardiology Department
Includes outpatient consultations, management of heart diseases, follow up care, echocardiography, ECG, ETT (Exercise Tolerance Tests), and medical cardiology for conditions such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, etc.
Emergency Cardiac Services
24-hour cardiac emergency department to receive patients suffering from heart attacks, chest pain, cardiac arrest, etc., with stabilization, triage, and urgent interventions like thrombolysis or transfer to catheterization lab if needed.
Interventional Cardiology & Angiography / Angioplasty
The institute is equipped to perform coronary angiography and angioplasty procedures. These allow diagnosis and treatment (stent placements etc.) of blocked or narrowed heart vessels without full open-heart surgery in many cases.
Cardiac Surgery
Planned to deliver heart surgeries (such as bypass, valve procedures etc.). The operation theaters for cardiac surgery are available or under development, along with required support infrastructure like ICUs for post-surgery monitoring.
Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) / Critical Care
A CCU is part of the institute for critically ill cardiac patients needing continuous monitoring and care. These units support post-operative patients, those with severe heart attacks, or needing intensive life support.
Facilities & Capacity
- Hospital bed capacity: originally planned to be ~200 beds; initial operational beds fewer as services expand in phases.
- OPD clinics for cardiac consultations.
- Diagnostic labs (ECG, echocardiography, other imaging like echocardiogram, maybe ultrasound etc.).
- Angiography / catheterization lab to perform minimally invasive heart procedures.
- Emergency cardiac ward open 24 hours.
- Cardiac Care Unit (CCU).
- Pharmacy to provide medicines specific to cardiology patients.
- Support services like nursing, technical labs, possibly a hostel for nursing staff.
Patient Process & Experience
Patients usually arrive first at OPD or emergency depending on urgency. If someone with chest pain or suspected cardiac event arrives, they are triaged in the emergency area. Diagnostic tests (ECG, blood tests, imaging etc.) are done. If angiography or angioplasty is needed, scheduling is done. For surgical cases, patient admission, pre-operative preparation, surgery, and post-operative care in CCU or wards follow. Discharge includes medications, lifestyle advice, follow-ups.
Strengths & Challenges
Strengths:
- Cardiac services closer to home for many patients who otherwise travel to Lahore or bigger cities.
- Public facility so lower cost options compared to private hospitals.
- Availability of specialized equipment like angiography, CCU, emergency cardiac services.
Challenges:
- Phased development means some services may still be limited.
- Staffing (specialist surgeons, cardiologists) and maintenance of backup infrastructure can be delayed or under-resourced.
- Possible waiting times for major cardiac surgery or interventions.
- Need for continuous supply of medicines, disposables, and technical maintenance for equipment.
Recent Improvements & Expansions
The institute has gradually increased its operational capacity. OPD services were established a few years ago, angiography facility became available, and emergency services are operational 24 hours now. Plans have been announced to increase bed capacity, improve human resources and fully activate all departments including surgery, CCU and critical labs.
FAQs
Q1: Is emergency cardiac service available 24/7?
A: Yes, the cardiac emergency department is designed to be operational at all hours to receive urgent heart cases.
Q2: Can I get angiography or angioplasty done at WIC?
A: Yes, these services are offered; angiography is available and angioplasty is being provided for suitable patients.
Q3: Does WIC perform heart surgery?
A: Surgical facilities are part of its plan. Some heart surgeries have started or are being planned as the hospital becomes more fully functional.
Q4: How many beds does the hospital have?</\h3>
A: The plan is for ~200 beds; initial operations may use fewer beds while departments are expanded.
Q5: Do patients from other districts come to WIC?
A: Yes — patients from surrounding districts and the Gujranwala division also use WIC due to its specialized cardiac services.
Q6: What should I bring for my visit or admission?
A: Bring a valid identity card, medical reports if you have any, current list of medications, money or documents for payment of diagnostics/surgery if applicable, an attendant, and prior appointment if needed.
Conclusion
Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology offers an important cardiac healthcare option in the region. While it may still be growing in some areas, it already provides key services like emergency care, angiography, CCU and outpatient cardiology. For serious heart conditions or surgeries, it helps patients avoid long travel. If you want exact up-to-date info (OPD timings, surgeon schedules, fees), contacting the hospital directly or checking official sources is best.