A four-month-old baby’s successful liver transplant at UMMC showcases Malaysia’s world-class medical capabilities, says Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR: The success of a liver transplant on a four-month-old baby at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) proves Malaysia possesses world-class medical expertise, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The baby, weighing only 6.2 kilogrammes, suffered from liver failure and urgently required a transplant from his mother last November.
Minutes before the procedure began, the baby’s heart suddenly stopped, triggering an anxious situation in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
“The medical team worked tirelessly to perform resuscitation. One hour filled with tension. The life of this little child was truly hanging by a thread,” Dzulkefly said in a Facebook post.
He said the team’s sharp and courageous clinical judgement led to the difficult decision to proceed with the high-risk surgery.
Although the procedure was complex due to the baby’s extremely delicate blood vessels, the transplant was successfully carried out by UMMC surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses.
“We have the talent to create miracles. What we need now is a support system and public awareness for people to step forward and pledge as donors,” he added.
Dzulkefly said he is determined to drive the National Organ Transplant Agenda 2026.
The agenda aims to restructure and strengthen organ transplantation services in Malaysia, including enhancing public awareness to encourage more donor registrations.
He also prayed for the baby boy’s speedy recovery and that he would grow up healthy and strong.
