KUCHING: Heart patients in Bintulu no longer need to travel to Kuching for treatment, as Bintulu Hospital’s upgraded radiology unit now functions as a cardiology centre, providing immediate and specialised care.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said previously, around 250 patients from Bintulu had to travel long distances to Kuching each year for treatment.
However, with this mini heart centre, about 90 per cent of cases requiring complex procedures can now be treated locally.
“With the available funding, we have successfully provided quality treatment through this mini heart centre. It may not be as large as the Sarawak Heart Centre, but it is capable of handling most cases,” he said.
He made these remarks after officiating at the signing ceremony of a strategic partnership between Public Medicare Group (PMG) and Ikhlas Capital here today (Feb 26).
Dr Sim added that although surgeries are still required for more serious cases, such as severe artery blockages, the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (CATH Lab) provides a closer and faster solution for patients in Bintulu.
This is a positive step in improving healthcare access in Sabah and Sarawak, which still lack heart centres in several areas compared to Peninsular Malaysia, where more treatment options are available.
“This centre not only reduces the burden on patients but also creates opportunities to enhance medical services in rural areas,” he explained.
“In Peninsular Malaysia, at least from Negeri Sembilan to Penang, there are four heart centres. So, you can easily go to any of the four.
“In contrast, in Kuching, we only have the Sarawak Heart Centre in Samarahan. Instead of building a full-fledged heart centre, which requires a large workforce, this mini heart centre also benefits the people.
“It is hoped that this centre can be expanded to other locations in Sarawak in the future,” he said.
The facility was funded through the Sarawak Heart Foundation with support from Petros and Press Metal, which contributed over RM2 million.
