NICVD to get international-standard clinical trials unit
The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is setting up an international-standard clinical trials unit, aimed at promoting medical research and attracting foreign funding. The unit is to be established on the upper floor of the old Outpatient Department (OPD) building, and will comply with the guidelines of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
NICVD Executive Director, Tahir Saghir, stated that the facility will support advanced research and improve treatment quality, particularly for children who have had to seek cardiac care abroad due to lack of local facilities. The project is being developed under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, with a private firm constructing and handing over the unit, while NICVD focuses on monitoring. The facility will also include a conference hall and library.
The lower floor of the old OPD will be converted into an expanded emergency ward, increasing the current bed capacity from 80 to between 160 and 180, while a centralised medical hall will accommodate multiple emergency departments.
A new OPD building is also under construction and expected to become operational by October or November. This project is also being executed under the BOT model, with an estimated cost of Rs1.25 billion. The building will have a separate entrance from outside the hospital, to reduce congestion within the main building.
Further, the first phase of the pediatric block is expected to be partially functional by November, offering dedicated emergency, ward, and ICU facilities for children. Currently, only one pediatric ward exists, where up to three children often share a single bed. With only two operation theatres available for children, pediatric patients also share cath labs and surgical facilities with adult patients. Despite reduced federal funding, the Sindh government has allocated Rs2.5 billion for the pediatric block, in order to support the completion of two underground levels, and two floors, including all required pediatric facilities.
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Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
NICVD to get international-standard clinical trials unit
The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is setting up an international-standard clinical trials unit, aimed at promoting medical research and attracting foreign funding. The unit is to be established on the upper floor of the old Outpatient Department (OPD) building, and will comply with the guidelines of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). NICVD Executive Director, Tahir Saghir, stated that the facility will support advanced research and improve treatment quality, particularly for children who have had to seek cardiac care abroad due to lack of local facilities. The project is being developed under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, with a private firm constructing and handing over the unit, while NICVD focuses on monitoring. The facility will also include a conference hall and library. The lower floor of the old OPD will be converted into an expanded emergency ward, increasing the current bed capacity from 80 to between 160 and 180, while a centralised medical hall will accommodate multiple emergency departments. A new OPD building is also under construction and expected to become operational by October or November. This project is also being executed under the BOT model, with an estimated cost of Rs1.25 billion. The building will have a separate entrance from outside the hospital, to reduce congestion within the main building. Further, the first phase of the pediatric block is expected to be partially functional by November, offering dedicated emergency, ward, and ICU facilities for children. Currently, only one pediatric ward exists, where up to three children often share a single bed. With only two operation theatres available for children, pediatric patients also share cath labs and surgical facilities with adult patients. Despite reduced federal funding, the Sindh government has allocated Rs2.5 billion for the pediatric block, in order to support the completion of two underground levels, and two floors, including all required pediatric facilities.
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NICVD boss dismisses corruption charges
Professor Tahir Saghir, Executive Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), has denied allegations of financial irregularities, claiming that the institute operates with full transparency and a commitment to public service. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Prof. Saghir said that the NICVD provides free treatment to over 2,000 patients daily, including 35-40 emergency angioplasties, alongside 1,000-1,200 emergency cases and 800-1,000 OPD visits. "This is a high-volume centre, and our teams work day and night to serve patients," he added. About corruption charges, Prof Saghir clarified that the NICVD undergoes both government and private audits annually. While audit objections are routine, he said that all queries are responded to with detailed explanations. He highlighted procurement reforms, saying that previously only 20-30% of medical supplies were acquired through tenders, whereas now over 90% of purchases are processed via the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) digital system, minimising human intervention. "This data is also shared with international bodies, including the IMF," he added. Refuting a human rights report alleging Rs40 billion in corruption, Prof Saghir pointed out that the NICVD's total annual budget is only Rs9 billion. "Where did the extra Rs31 billion come from? Yet, surgeries and medicines continued uninterrupted," he questioned, terming the accusations baseless and malicious. He cited Sindh government recognition of the institute's performance, which led to an increased budget after NICVD saved Rs1 billion last year, followed by an additional Rs2 billion allocation. Prof Saghir provided an example of emergency decision-making, explaining that when the main A/C unit in the emergency ward failed, the administration hired temporary cooling systems for Rs200,000-250,000 to ensure patient comfort, bypassing lengthy tender procedures.
