Air Conditioning Failure at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Leaves Heart Patients in Heat Stress
KARACHI: Patients at the Step-Down Unit of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) have been facing intense heat and humidity after the facility’s air conditioning system remained non-functional for the past three days.
According to sources, critically vulnerable patients transferred from the catheterization lab are also being affected due to rising temperatures in the unit, causing discomfort and potential health risks.
Sources further said that several cardiac patients under treatment are experiencing severe discomfort due to the heat. Pedestal fans have been installed to reduce the temperature impact; however, their use has increased noise levels in the ward.
They added that the prolonged breakdown of the AC system has raised concerns about respiratory issues and other complications among patients. The Step-Down Unit typically houses patients who require close monitoring after undergoing procedures such as angiography and other cardiac interventions.
On the other hand, a NICVD spokesperson said that the unit’s chillers had suddenly stopped working, but three air-conditioning units are currently being used to maintain cooling in the ward.
The spokesperson added that repair work on the chillers is underway and is expected to be completed within two to three days, after which the system will be fully operational again.
He further stated that the condition of all admitted patients remains stable and that they are not facing any unusual difficulties. The hospital administration is continuously monitoring the situation.
