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Historic Milestone Achieved at SMBZAN ICQ: First TAVI Procedure Performed in Balochistan A groundbreaking moment in the medical history of Balochistan was marked at the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN ICQ), where the first-ever TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure was successfully performed in the province. This complex and life-saving interventional procedure was carried out by Dr. Asaad Akbar Khan, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, along with the highly skilled Cardiology Team of SMBZAN ICQ. This achievement underscores the institute’s growing expertise and unwavering commitment to delivering world-class cardiac care in Balochistan. To commemorate this milestone, a cake-cutting ceremony was held at the institute, attended by Chief Executive Officer / Hospital Director Brigadier Omer Iftikhar Kahloon, Additional Hospital Director Colonel Muhammad Tauqeer Malik, and esteemed faculty and staff members. This success is a testament to the clinical excellence at SMBZAN ICQ and a beacon of hope for cardiac patients in the region.

Balochistan Assembly Standing Committee on Health visits SMBZAN Institute of Cardiology, appreciates the institution's performance and facilities. Honorable members of the Standing Committee on Health of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Uzbekistan today paid a detailed visit to the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN) under the leadership of the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Mohammed Nawaz Kabzai. On this occasion, members of the Committee, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, Shahida Rauf, Samad Khan Gurgej, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panizai, and Special Assembly Secretary Abdul Rehman also accompanied the delegation. During the visit, the hospital administration gave the delegation a detailed briefing on the institution's performance, available medical facilities, problems faced and future plans. The committee members reviewed various departments of the institute and appreciated the modern and quality facilities provided to the patients. On this occasion, the committee members said that the SMBZAN Institute is providing the latest facilities for the treatment of heart diseases in the province, which is a major breakthrough for a backward region like Balochistan. The committee assured all possible cooperation to resolve the challenges faced by the institution, saying that such institutions are worthy of imitation and effective measures are necessary to strengthen them. This visit by the Assembly's Standing Committee on Health is being described as a positive step for the betterment of the institution and public welfare.

Historic Milestone in Cardiac Care at SMBZAN ICQ Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN ICQ), Quetta, achieved multiple firsts with the inauguration of its Electrophysiology Lab and the successful performance of the first-ever cardiac electrophysiology case in Balochistan. The First Cardiac Electrophysiology Workshop was led by Dr. Mir Waqas Baloch, HOD Cardiac Electrophysiology SMBZAN ICQ, with the distinguished expertise of Prof Brig Azmat Hayat. A cake-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion, graced by Brig Omer Iftikhar Kahloon, CEO/Hospital Director, Col Muhammad Tauqeer Malik, Additional Hospital Director, senior faculty, and staff. This milestone marks a new era of advanced arrhythmia treatment and training in Balochistan, reaffirming SMBZAN ICQ’s commitment to excellence in cardiac care.

A New Milestone in Cardiac Care at SMBZAN ICQ We are proud to announce the inauguration of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN ICQ), Quetta. The inauguration ceremony was led by CEO/Hospital Director Brig Omer Iftikhar Khaloon. Distinguished guests included: Dr. Hafiz Khush Naseeb Ahmad Director (CENAR) Dr. Muddasir Iqbal, Nuclear Physician (PIC Lahore) Dr. Muhammad Sadiq, Nuclear Physician (CENAR) Dr. Shagufta, Nuclear Physician (CENAR) Col Muhammad Tauqeer Malik, Additional Hospital Director SMBZAN ICQ SMBZAN ICQ HODs This achievement marks another step forward in strengthening advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities for the people of Balochistan.

2-Day Workshop on Radiation Protection & Shielding Calculations Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN ICQ), Quetta, successfully hosted a 2-day workshop on Radiation Protection and Shielding Calculations of X-Ray/CT Exposure, organized by Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) Regional Nuclear Safety Directorate-III. The workshop was actively attended by the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department of SMBZAN ICQ. The opening session was led by Mr. Ghulab Ali Director RNSD-III, while the training sessions were conducted by Syed Ramzan, SSO and Imran Khan, PSO. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Ghulab Ali Director RNSD-III and CEO/Hospital Director Brig Omer Iftikhar Khaloon, followed by the distribution of certificates to participants. This initiative reflects our continuous commitment to ensuring the highest standards of radiation safety, patient care, and professional development at SMBZAN ICQ.

World Pharmacists Day Celebration at SMBZAN ICQ Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology (SMBZAN ICQ), Quetta, proudly celebrated **World Pharmacists Day** with great enthusiasm. On this special occasion, a cake-cutting ceremony was held to honor the invaluable contributions of pharmacists in healthcare. The cake was cut by **Chief Executive Officer / Hospital Director, Brig Omer Iftikhar Kahloon**, who graced the event with his presence and words of appreciation. The ceremony was attended by all Heads of Departments (HODs) and senior faculty members, highlighting the collaborative spirit and recognition of the crucial role pharmacists play in ensuring safe and effective patient care. This event not only celebrated the dedication of pharmacists but also emphasized SMBZAN ICQ’s commitment to advancing healthcare services in Balochistan. Together, we acknowledge and appreciate our pharmacists for their hard work, expertise, and tireless efforts in improving patient outcomes and supporting the medical community. Happy World Pharmacists Day

Visit to SMBZAN ICQ - National Workshop on Balochistan (NWB) XVII On 8 October, SMBZAN ICQ once again had the honour to welcome and host the delegates of 17th iteration of NWB, a regular event aimed at showcasing beautiful Balochistan, the efforts being made to improve the socio-economic condition of its people and dispel misconceptions. During the visit, participants were briefed about our state-of-the-art institute, the cutting-edge cardiac services it was providing to the population of the province, and our future plans. Afterwards, the delegates visited various floors and interacted with our staff and patients to gain insight into the impact this institute is making in the lives of the ordinary people of Balochistan. The event culminated with an exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.

It was an honour to receive Dr Bashir Hanif, Executive Director #tabbaheartinstitute and his team at SMBZAN ICQ on 24 October 2025. The honourable guest visited various facilities at the institute and was highly appreciative of the spectrum and quality of services being provided. SMBZAN ICQ looks forward to host the distinguished guest again and hopes that we'd be able to find areas of mutual interest for future collaboration.

On 2 November 2025, a series of Paediatric Cardiology workshops was held at SMBZAN ICQ in connection with 54th Cardiocon scheduled to be held in 3rd week of November at Quetta. The workshops aimed at enhancing healthcare professionals' proficiency in interpretation of paediatric ECGs, management of basic neonatal & paediatric cardiac emergencies and Focused Paediatric Echocardiography. The workshops were attended by a large number of paediatricians, emergency medicine specialists, GPs, nurses and allied health professionals not only from SMBZAN ICQ but also various government and private healthcare setups at Quetta. The participants showed great enthusiasm and appreciated the initiative by SMBZAN ICQ aimed at capacity building of local fraternity. During his address, CEO SMBZAN ICQ congratulated the organizers on successful conduct of the workshops and thanked the external facilitators / experts from NICVD for their continued support. He also highlighted huge strides made by our Paediatric Cardiology / Cardiac Surgery Program within a short span of time and stressed the need for regular collaboration between various local setups to ensure sustainability and development of Paediatric Cardiology in the province. This series of workshops cements the status of SMBZAN ICQ as the only state-of-the-art cardiac institute providing the full spectrum of diagnostic and curative services in Balochistan province. It also adds another feather in our cap as this was the very first activity conducted in the run up to 54th Cardiocon.

In pursuance of the continued collaboration in Paediatric Cardiology between two great institutes, a team from NICVD Karachi visited SMBZAN ICQ from 31 October to 2 November 2025. A total of 250 paediatric patients were seen in the OPD, 18 Cath Interventions performed including ASD and PDA Device Closures, Pulmonary and Coarctation Ballooning and diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Furthermore, 5 paediatric cardiac surgeries were performed including TOF Primary Repair, VSD Surgical Closure, PDA Ligation and Mitral Valve Replacements. The highlight, however, was Bibi Fatima, a 1.3 yrs old child having a large tubular PDA and two muscular VSDs. The defects were surgically repaired, a first for SMBZAN ICQ. It is hoped that the intervention will markedly improve the quality of life for this precious child and give her a chance at a long, fulfilling and productive life.