Cardiac unit for pregnant women unveiled at NICVD to combat maternal mortality

KARACHI: Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho made a landmark announcement at the 3rd International Family Planning Summit, unveiling plans to establish a specialized Cardiac Unit for Pregnant Women at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). This crucial initiative aims to reduce the high rates of maternal mortality by providing expert care for pregnant women with heart conditions, a growing concern in the province.

Dr. Pechuho’s announcement, delivered to an audience of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and family planning advocates, also highlighted key aspects of Sindh’s evidence-based healthcare policy. She discussed plans to improve maternal ICU facilities in district hospitals, tackle the rising rate of C-sections in private healthcare facilities, and address the need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. Dr. Pechuho said:

“Our government is committed to advancing maternal and reproductive healthcare in Sindh. By enhancing facilities like the NICVD Cardiac Unit and refining healthcare policies, we aim to save lives and improve the well-being of mothers and children.”

The summit, organized by the Gynecology Department (Ward 9B) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in partnership with Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), was chaired by Dr. Nighat Shah, the Head of Ward 9B and Sindh’s Family Planning Focal Person.

Shaping the Future of Family Planning and Maternal Health

The summit centered on engaging the next generation in the importance of family planning and reproductive health, stressing the need for transformative social and gender norms. Key discussions included the integration of digital solutions for family planning services, promoting male involvement, and ensuring access to reliable birth control for women.

Dr. Nighat Shah shared a compelling message about the maternal mortality crisis in Pakistan, which currently stands at 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. “To combat this, we must invest in education, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and ensure that every woman receives high-quality care throughout her pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal stages,” she explained. This commitment aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which calls for universal access to reproductive health services and improved maternal health.

Dr. Shah emphasized that empowering women to make informed reproductive choices will not only reduce maternal mortality but will also contribute to achieving gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment (SDG 5).

Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of JSMU, addressed the need for male contraception, highlighting non-scalpel vasectomy as an effective, accessible family planning method. He debunked common myths about vasectomy, urging more men to take responsibility for family planning.

JPMC Executive Director Dr. Shahid Rasool also outlined plans to expand gynecology wards at the hospital and offer vasectomy surgeries in the outpatient department, further supporting family planning initiatives in the region.