Practical progress has begun on a plan to implant artificial hearts through heart transplant surgery in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has tasked Professor Dr Hasnat Ahmed Khan, Dean of Jinnah Institute of Cardiology Lahore and a renowned heart transplant surgeon, and Professor Dr Farqad Alamgir, Chairman of the Board of Management, with immediately implementing the project.
According to sources, on the recommendation of the experts, the Punjab Chief Minister has also directed arrangements to be made to import 10 artificial hearts from China for at least 10 patients, and practical work on the initiative has begun.
Sources said that, in view of the difficulties faced by Pakistan regarding human heart donation and heart transplantation, a proposal has been put forward to introduce artificial hearts and advanced mechanical circulatory support for patients suffering from severe and end-stage heart diseases.
According to the report, patients whose natural hearts have become extremely weak, who are suffering from severe heart failure, or for whom angioplasty, cardiac surgery or open-heart surgery is no longer an effective option could be provided with artificial heart support.
According to sources, a comparative assessment of the cost of obtaining artificial hearts from the United States and China was also presented to the Chief Minister. An artificial heart from the United States is estimated to cost around $90,000, while a similar device from China has been proposed at approximately $9,000. Due to the lower cost, obtaining artificial hearts from China has been considered a more feasible option.
Sources said medical, technical and administrative preparations for the project have been accelerated at Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, with a target of completing the basic preparations by September. The first artificial heart implantation is expected to begin by mid-October or, at the latest, early November.
Under the leadership of Professor Dr Hasnat Ahmed Khan, relevant surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesia teams and other departments are being prepared in a coordinated manner for the advanced treatment.
According to sources, at least 10 patients are proposed to receive the facility in the initial phase. Work will also be undertaken in the future to expand the programme and pave the way for the establishment of a formal heart transplant programme in Pakistan.
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