CHANGSHA, CHINA: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the prestigious Sitara-i-Pakistan on renowned Chinese cardiologist Prof. Pan Xiangbin during a special investiture ceremony held in Changsha, in recognition of his exceptional services in cardiac care and his contributions to Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
Recognition of medical excellence
Prof. Pan Xiangbin, who serves as Vice President of Fuwai Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, also leads the National Interventional Quality Control Center for Structural Heart Disease.
He is widely regarded as a global leader in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Over the years, he has introduced several advanced medical techniques, including ultrasound-guided procedures that allow treatment without open surgery, radiation exposure, or general anaesthesia.
Life-saving work in Pakistan
During his visit to Pakistan in January 2025, Prof. Pan and his medical team performed critical heart procedures on children suffering from congenital heart diseases. In addition, they provided hands-on training to Pakistani doctors in modern interventional techniques.
These efforts helped strengthen Pakistan’s medical capacity and improved access to specialised cardiac care in the country.
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Strengthening Pakistan-China healthcare cooperation
President Zardari praised Prof. Pan’s contributions, noting that his work reflects the growing cooperation between Pakistan and China in the health sector. He said such collaborations bring direct benefits to patients and help modernise healthcare systems.
Dignitaries present at ceremony
Several senior officials attended the ceremony, including Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Ali Hassan Barohi, and Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong were also present, highlighting the diplomatic importance of the occasion.
