Formation of Board of Governors for Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology, Sargodha: Maj Gen (R) Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kayani Appointed Chairman
Dr. Kayani has consistently advocated for policy reforms aimed at enhancing the delivery of specialized healthcare across the province.
Sargodha (By Makhdoom Hussain Chaudhry):
In a significant development for the healthcare landscape of Punjab, the Board of Governors (BoG) of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology, Sargodha, has been formally constituted. The provincial government has appointed Major General (R) Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kayani, a seasoned cardiologist and currently the Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Health, as the Chairman of the Board.
A Strategic Step Toward Healthcare Reform
The formation of the Board marks a strategic step toward institutional governance, transparency, and service excellence in the province’s cardiac healthcare sector. With the official tenure of the Board set at three years, its primary mandate will be to oversee the administrative, operational, and strategic affairs of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology (NSIC), Sargodha — one of the region’s most critical healthcare institutions.
According to official sources, the Board of Governors is expected to play a transformational role in ensuring that the Institute continues to provide state-of-the-art cardiac treatment, maintain international standards of medical care, and enhance its operational effectiveness through evidence-based decision-making and institutional accountability.
Leadership Rooted in Experience and Excellence
The appointment of Maj Gen (R) Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kayani as Chairman brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the leadership of the NSIC. Dr. Kayani, a renowned cardiologist, has previously served as the Executive Director of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and has led multiple national initiatives in cardiovascular care. His appointment is being widely viewed as a testament to the Punjab government’s commitment to placing seasoned healthcare professionals in pivotal roles.
In his capacity as Health Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr. Kayani has consistently advocated for policy reforms aimed at enhancing the delivery of specialized healthcare across the province. His new role at the NSIC Sargodha is expected to create strong synergies between provincial health policy and on-ground hospital governance.
Improving Cardiac Care in Central Punjab
The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha was established to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in central Punjab. Over the years, the institute has evolved into a tertiary-level facility, offering both invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures, round-the-clock emergency services, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
With the formation of the new Board, stakeholders are hopeful that the Institute will see faster administrative decision-making, better infrastructure development, and enhanced patient satisfaction. The Board is also expected to streamline HR policies, accelerate procurement of advanced medical equipment, and foster partnerships with leading cardiac institutions nationally and internationally.
Commitment to Good Governance in Healthcare
Health sector analysts have praised the move, calling it a step in the right direction towards depoliticizing the management of key medical institutions and bringing in professional governance structures.
Speaking to local media, a senior health department official noted:
"The formation of the Board of Governors is not just a procedural requirement. It is part of a larger vision to bring transparency, accountability, and long-term strategic direction to one of the most important cardiac care institutions in the region."
Looking Ahead
As healthcare challenges continue to grow in complexity, the success of institutions like NSIC Sargodha will increasingly depend on efficient governance, clinical excellence, and patient-centered innovation. With an experienced professional like Dr. Azhar Kayani at the helm, the Institute is now well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.
The coming months will likely see the Board developing strategic roadmaps, setting key performance indicators, and initiating long-overdue reforms that will shape the future of cardiac care not just in Sargodha, but across the province.
