INTRODUCTION
Special ‘Progress’ Ward is a state of art 30-Bed Ward and Office Complex, established and supported by Foundation for ‘Progress’, at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi, under a unique and innovative ‘Progress’ program of ‘Building Partnerships, Promoting Sustainability’, the objective of which is to foster and promote interaction and cooperation, so as to build bridges between the stakeholders, which is critical to national development, peace and progress.
BACKGROUND
On a visit by Dr. M.A Wajid, Chairman & President, Foundation for ‘Progress’ to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in May 2005, the then Commandant, Maj. Gen. M.M.H Nuri invited the attention of the Chairman ‘Progress’ to the ever increasing patients load at the AFIC, requesting ‘Progress’ support in this context. In response ‘Progress’ committed to fully equip and furnish a 30-Bed Ward and an Office Complex to support AFIC’s efforts in keeping up its commitment of providing high quality patient care. Merely six weeks after the signing of the MOU, on 15th Sept 2005, ‘Progress’ honored its commitment and the ward was made operational on the morning of 02nd Oct 2005 – The day the devastating 7.5 Richter scale earthquake destroyed the major areas of Azad Kashmir and parts of Northern areas of Pakistan. The ‘Progress’ Ward had the privilege of admitting and treating some of the first quake victims who were transported to Rawalpindi.
ABOUT THE WARD
Special ‘Progress’ Ward is an environment and patient friendly facility, housed in an independent colonial era building, reconstructed in originality and located in the AFIC premises. It comprises of a completely air-conditioned office complex and a ward with all ancillary facilities.
The Office Complex comprising of the Commandant’s/Chairman’s suite, the M/O Incharge, Medical Officer, Sister Incharge and the Ward Clerk’s offices, washrooms etc. are all provided with high quality furnishings and equipments. In addition a general emergency theatre, a conference room including a 12 chair table, a book cabinet, projector and other facilities necessary for making of case presentations have also been made available. A store, kitchen and a pantry have been provided in the premises.
The Ward comprises of a 24-bed general ward, a 4-Bed officers suite with washrooms. Each bed is supplemented with high quality mattress, pillows, bed sheets, blankets, towels, sleepers, a patient locker, attendant chair, foot rug etc. Modern and the latest state of art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment including Defibrillators, Cardiac Monitors, Electrocardiograms, Oxygenators, Suction Machines, Nebulizers, X-Ray Plant with Fluoroscopy, stretchers, wheel chairs etc. In addition refrigerators, electric water dispensers and coolers, television sets and computers, all in sufficient numbers have been provided for the smooth and efficient functioning and optimum patient care.
The ward is aesthetically decorated with wall hangings, decorations, a fish aquarium, green plants, consoles with mirror, synthetic flooring with matching window blinds and furniture. All these facilities and provisions are an effort to make the patients stay as comfortable as possible.
COMMENDATIONS
It is pertinent to mention that the Special ‘Progress’ Ward holds a unique position in the hospitals of the Army Medical Corps for its aesthetic décor. The Ward was officially inaugurated by the Begum and Lt. Gen. Salahudin Satti, Commander 10 Corps in the presence of Lt. Gen. Syed Afzal Ahmed, Surgeon General, Maj. Gen. MMH Nuri, Commandant, AFIC and Dr. M.A Wajid, Chairman ‘Progress’ on the eve of 10th Dec 2005. The first Annual Ward round was made by Lt. Gen. Salahudin Satti, Chief of General Staff and Lt. Gen. Mohsin Kamal, Commander 10 Corps in August 2008. All the visiting civil and military dignitaries have commended the ‘Progress’ and AFIC on this joint effort of serving the sick and the needy. |
