KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has granted an immediate allocation of RM80 million to establish a National Heart Centre in Sabah, which would make it the second largest heart treatment centre after the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the need for the heart centre arises from the state’s insufficient capacity for cardiology services, leading many individuals to seek treatment in Kuala Lumpur.
“The cardiology services at Hospital Besar Kota Kinabalu (Queen Elizabeth 2 Hospital) currently include specialist clinics, invasive and non-invasive catheterisation laboratories, cardiothoracic surgical theatres, three specialists, and 120 trained nurses. However, I believe this is not sufficient for the needs of Sabahans.
“Therefore, I hereby announce the establishment of a special facility, namely the National Heart Centre Sabah, located in the Kota Kinabalu Hospital Complex. With this, we will immediately add three specialists and trained support staff,“ he said.
He announced this during his speech at the National MADANI 2024 Aidilfitri celebration, officiated by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Prime Minister also advised the public to maintain their health by eating moderately, reducing sugary and fatty foods, and increasing physical activity to prevent heart disease.
Anwar further stated that the Federal Government also agrees with the Sarawak government’s proposal to establish a National Cancer Centre in Kuching.
The ceremony was further livened up by the attendance of thousands of residents since 8 am, savouring the array of delicious food served and the presentation of cultural performances.
