Indus Hospital & Health Network has successfully performed its first pediatric open-heart surgery under its Congenital Heart Services program, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
Officials said the successful procedure represents a significant step toward expanding advanced cardiac care services for children, particularly patients who cannot afford expensive treatment at private hospitals.
The surgery was led by Dr. Zubair Barohi along with Dr. Arjumand Shauq and supported by a multidisciplinary medical team comprising cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, ICU specialists, operating theatre staff, technicians, and perfusionists.
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According to the hospital, Indus previously provided minimally invasive cardiac interventions, which only benefited around 30 percent of patients suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD). Many critically ill children requiring surgical procedures had to be referred to other hospitals, often facing long waiting periods and financial difficulties.
Hospital officials said the introduction of in-house pediatric open-heart surgery services would help bridge a critical healthcare gap in Karachi, where access to specialized pediatric cardiac treatment remains limited.
Pediatric open-heart surgery is considered one of the most complex medical procedures and requires advanced coordination among multiple departments. Doctors stated that such surgeries generally carry a success rate of nearly 98 percent and can provide lifelong treatment outcomes in many cases.
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Healthcare experts note that Karachi serves as a major referral center for patients from across Pakistan, yet only a limited number of surgeons and institutions in Sindh currently offer comprehensive pediatric cardiac surgery services. Waiting lists at public hospitals often extend from one to two years.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Syed Zafar Zaidi said the achievement was aimed at building a sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering life-saving treatment at scale.
He added that investments in medical infrastructure, technology, and specialized healthcare professionals would help improve access to cardiac care for children across Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan described the achievement as an important moment for families struggling to access affordable heart surgeries for children.
Officials further said the hospital plans to expand into more advanced and complex cardiac procedures in the future as part of its mission to provide world-class healthcare free of cost.
The development highlights growing efforts within Pakistan’s healthcare sector to improve access to specialized treatment and reduce the burden on families requiring critical pediatric medical care.
