BINTULU: Cardiac treatment in the central parts of Sarawak has received a major boost with the establishment of a new Cardiac Unit at Bintulu Hospital, supported by medical equipment worth RM2.25 million contributed by the Sarawak Heart Foundation.
The contribution was officially handed over by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the foundation’s deputy chairman, at a ceremony held at the hospital on Monday.
Dr Sim said the fund was made possible through contributions of RM1.6 million from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), RM500,000 from Press Metal Bintulu, and RM150,000 from Bintulu Port Holdings.
“With this funding, Bintulu Hospital completed its Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) in February this year, making it the second public hospital in Sarawak after the Sarawak Heart Centre to have such a facility,” he said.
He added that since the visiting specialist service began on Feb 24, two cardiologists from the Sarawak Heart Centre had been flown to Bintulu twice a month.
By the end of September, 145 patients had received treatment, including 75 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedures.
“With the establishment of this Cath Lab, heart patients in Bintulu and nearby areas no longer need to be referred to the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.
“It serves as a mini satellite centre, improving access to treatment and potentially saving more lives,” he said.
Dr Sim also thanked all contributors and called on more corporate bodies and individuals to support the Sarawak Heart Foundation’s mission of assisting needy heart patients.
