PESHAWAR: A team of highly trained international cardiologists and surgeons successfully performed free heart surgeries on 40 children suffering from complex cardiac issues at the Lady Reading Hospital, which is one of the largest public-sector hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These life-saving procedures were made possible through the collaboration of a UK-based charitable organisation and a visiting medical team comprising specialists from both Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
The 15-member team, which included paediatric cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and technicians, worked closely with the hospital’s local staff. Their focus was on treating children born with congenital heart defects—most notably, ventricular septal defects (holes in the heart), which, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications or even death.
Over several days, the team carried out these intricate surgeries with precision and care, resulting in a 100% success rate, according to hospital officials. The initiative was part of a broader medical outreach program targeting underprivileged regions in South Asia.
The international team selected Pakistan and Bangladesh for their mission, based on the urgent need for advanced paediatric cardiac care in these countries. Both nations face a shortage of specialised facilities and trained personnel to handle congenital heart diseases, especially in lower-income communities.
During their stay, the visiting doctors praised the hospitality and professionalism they experienced at Lady Reading Hospital. They commended the hospital’s infrastructure and described their collaboration with the local medical staff as highly efficient and rewarding.
One of the team’s senior surgeons said, “The experience in Pakistan has been exceptional. It allowed us to contribute to a meaningful cause and see immediate, life-changing results. The smiles on the faces of the parents and the children after surgery—there’s no greater reward.”
Lady Reading Hospital, in coordination with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, had earlier conducted screenings and selected 60 deserving children from across the province. These families, many of whom come from remote areas and live below the poverty line, had little to no access to such specialised treatment.
In the first phase of the program, 40 children were operated on, while the remaining 20 are expected to undergo surgeries in the coming weeks, either by the same team or under the guidance of newly trained local surgeons.
Hospital administration stated that this initiative was not just a temporary relief effort but a model for future collaborations. The foreign medical team also took the time to train and mentor the local healthcare providers during their stay, aiming to build long-term capacity for paediatric cardiac care in the region.
Parents of the treated children expressed immense gratitude. One mother, whose six-year-old son had been living with a congenital heart defect since birth, said, “We never thought this day would come. We could never afford this surgery. The doctors have given my son a new life.”
The success of this mission is being celebrated as a powerful example of international cooperation, compassion, and medical excellence. It underscores the importance of cross-border humanitarian work, especially in regions where advanced healthcare remains out of reach for the majority.
More such missions are expected in the future, with hopes of expanding the scope to include other medical specialities. For now, the children who once faced uncertain futures are on their way to recovery, thanks to a united effort driven by hope, love, and skill.
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