KARACHI: The Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) has entered into an agreement with a non-profit organisation to enhance its paediatric cardiology services under a public-private partnership.

The agreement was signed by CHK Medical Superintendent Dr SM Khalid Bukhari and paediatric cardiologist Dr Naheed Mahar, representing Friends of Little Hearts (FLH) at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).

Speaking at the ceremony, DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, also the FLH chief patron, noted that the paediatric cardiology ward was established by the 1997 batch of Dow Medical College.

“Since then, the hospital has been working to upgrade its facilities,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Mahar explained that under the agreement, the non-profit organisation would enhance the services at CHK’s paediatric cardiology ward.

“We are committed to alleviating the difficulties faced by children and their families who are dealing with debilitating heart diseases,” she said, adding that the services would be provided with the highest levels of professionalism and dedication.

According to a DUHS spokesperson, FLH has already established a paediatric cardiac high-dependency unit at CHK, offering free services such as cardiology consultations, echocardiograms, pre-surgical cardiac fitness assessments, and referrals to tertiary care cardiology services.

CHK MS Dr Khalid Bukhari stated that the hospital would ensure patients receive free, quality care, adding that the agreement demonstrates the administration’s commitment to meeting the critical medical needs of its young patients.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2024