Since its inception in 1963, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has played an important role in caring for patients with heart disease in Pakistan. NICVD is the first tertiary cardiac care institute in South Asia as well as the flagship facility for cardiology in Pakistan with a focus on superior care for patients, education and training for medical professionals, and research and development in cardiology. NICVD caters to the cardiovascular needs of a vast majority of patients from all provinces of Pakistan as well as Afghan refugees and patients from other neighboring countries free of cost. It is responsible for training the bulk of local cardiac physicians, nurses and paramedics throughout the country.