PESHAWAR – In a significant advancement for pediatric cardiac healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) Peshawar has successfully performed four complex congenital heart surgeries, including a highly specialized Arterial Switch Operation, through a collaborative effort between leading pediatric cardiac surgeons from Lahore and RMI’s cardiac team.
According to details released by the institute, the surgeries were conducted by a joint team comprising renowned pediatric cardiac specialists from Bahria Orchard Hospital Lahore and Rehman Medical Institute.The achievement marks another milestone in the provision of advanced cardiac care services within the province, reducing the need for patients to seek specialized treatment outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Among the procedures performed was the technically demanding Arterial Switch Operation, considered the definitive treatment for Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a life-threatening congenital heart defect. In TGA, the major blood vessels connected to the heart are abnormally positioned, resulting in oxygen poor blood circulating throughout the body and placing affected infants at serious risk if timely surgical intervention is not undertaken.
The visiting team from Lahore included Major General Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Head of Anesthesia, along with distinguished Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons Dr. Aitizaz Uddin and Dr. Salman Farsi.They worked in close coordination with RMI’s experienced cardiac specialists, including Prof. Dr. Azam Jan, Dr. Tariq Sohail Babar, Dr. Nabeel Awan, Dr. Saira, Dr. Imtiaz, and Dr. Ahsan, to successfully complete the four complex surgeries.Hospital officials stated that the collaboration extended beyond surgical procedures and also focused on professional development and capacity building.Specialized training sessions were organized for pediatric cardiac nurses and pediatric cardiac intensive care staff to enhance their clinical expertise and strengthen critical care services.The initiative was aimed at ensuring the delivery of world class healthcare standards and improving long term patient outcomes.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Rehman Medical Institute, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rehman, lauded the joint efforts of the participating medical teams and highlighted the importance of academic and clinical partnerships in strengthening healthcare delivery.He said such collaborations play a vital role in introducing advanced medical procedures, improving professional skills, and ensuring that patients have access to specialized treatment close to home.Prof. Rehman reiterated the institute’s commitment to continuing similar partnerships in the future, emphasizing that expanding access to high-quality and specialized healthcare services remains one of the institution’s top priorities.Rehman Medical Institute is recognized as one of Peshawar’s leading tertiary care hospitals, offering comprehensive healthcare services across multiple specialties.Equipped with modern medical technology and supported by highly qualified cardiac specialists, the institute provides advanced diagnostic, interventional, and surgical cardiac services.
The hospital also offers treatment facilities under the Sehat Card Program, making specialized healthcare accessible to a larger segment of the population.Medical experts described the successful completion of the congenital heart surgeries, particularly the Arterial Switch Operation, as a major achievement for pediatric cardiac care in the region and a positive step toward strengthening advanced healthcare services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
