This facility allows cardiologists to coordinate all aspects of testing that may contribute to decisions regarding medical management or cardiovascular surgery referral for heart disease. The new adult cardiac service programme including the Cath-lab facility has been started in line with the country’s needs. This initiative will significantly assist the Ministry of Public Health in improving the health indicators in Afghanistan. As there are very few adult cardiac services available in Afghanistan, hence many people who have the ability to afford care are going to nearby regions for their treatment. Keeping in view this acute need, FMIC decided to establish this facility at its current premises in Kabul. It is expected that over the next 15 years 6,044 adult cardiac surgeries; 11,955 angiographies; 2,391 angioplasties and 163, 484 consultations will be conducted at the facility.
Consultants, medical officers, nurses and paramedical staff have been attached with the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH), for hands on training while regular missions from La Chaîne de l’Espoir and AKUH will also assist and train the local team onsite.
By initiating adult cardiac surgery, FMIC has set the standard for paediatric and adult cardiac surgery in Afghanistan. The adult cardiac catheterization facility will provide the following services: cardiac consultations and assessments, coronary angiogram, coronary angioplasty, carotid stenting, cardiac surgeries (open and closed heart), pacemaker checks/pacemaker insertion, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and electrophysiology studies.
