PM Ibrahim Mahlab inspects National Heart Institute renovation

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab inspected the renovation works at the National Heart Institute on Thursday.

Mahlab was accompanied by the health and scientific research ministers and governor of Giza.

The location of the institute, built in the 1960s, was perfect in the past but now the area has become very congested, requiring redesigning the building's entrances and exits for vehicles and ambulances, Health Minister Adel Adawy told the premier.

The building's infrastructure, especially its water, drainage and gas networks, debilitated, he said.

The institute accommodates 120 beds at the intensive care unit in heart surgeries, nine operation rooms, 164 beds at internal departments and 30 beds in reception, he added.

Nearly 50% of cardiac catheterization and 25% of heart surgeries nationwide are done at the institute, he said.

The minister also reviewed a project to open a new branch at Imbaba Airport land, as the airport was moved to October 6th City, to help ease the patient overcrowding at the old building.

Meanwhile, Mahlab said he was happy after a group of young doctors created a Facebook page following his first visit to the institute.

The page is dedicated to showing images of deplorable conditions in state-run hospitals.