NICVD stops free angiography, angioplasty facility  

KARACHI: National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has stopped free angiography and angioplasty since last six months, causing grave inconvenience for cardiac patients. 

The patients with blocked coronary arteries are being sent back, however, patients coming to the OPD who can afford to pay, are being referred to private ward for angiography and angioplasty. 

It should be remembered that until some time ago, all patients coming to the National Institute of Heart Diseases were given free angiography and angioplasty. 

NICVD Spokesperson said angiography and angioplasty are done only for those patients who need it. He informed that a committee has been formed to determine the need and make a decision.  

The cardiac patients said that if they do not have money, where should they go for angiography and plastic surgery. 

Patients appealed to the Chairman People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah to restore free facility of angiography and angioplasty for general OPD patients.  

It is worth mentioning here that the annual budget of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases is more than 10 billion, which is increased every year. In such a case, instead of increasing the facilities, the decrease is not only surprising but also accountable.