Sabah to soon get cardiology centre, says PM

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s is set to have its own cardiology centre soon, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said a special block meant for cardiology cases named the Sabah Cardiology Centre would be set up at the Queen Elizabeth II main hospital here.

He said three cardiologists or heart specialists would be transferred here while a RM80mil immediate allocation was approved to start this project.

Anwar said this during the Madani Hari Raya open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre here, Saturday (April 20).

In his speech, he said that the healthcare system in Sabah was quite limited and many had to fly to peninsula Malaysia for many forms of treatment.

Among the works to be done for this new block would include upgrading existing infrastructures such as the emergency unit, ward, daycares, loose equipment and associated works.

The current cardiology and cardiothoracic department provides 107 beds for patients, a specialist clinic, Invasive and Non-Invasive Catheterization Laboratory – ICL and a cardiothoracic operation theatre.

There were a total of 120 trained nurses and the bed occupancy rate has reached 75% to date.

Earlier, Anwar said that the unity government would continue to focus on eradicating poverty and fulfilling the developmental needs of the people.

He said the good relations between the state and Federal Government benefit both parties, especially in terms of developments.

Prior to that, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah was proud to be among the hosts for the national level Hari Raya celebrations, as it was an acknowledgement of the harmony and unity among the multi-cultural people of Sabah.

He said people in Sabah lived peacefully and harmoniously in its diversity.

“Harmony among race and religion is important. If we keep this up, we can continue to prosper and develop well,” he said.

Also present was Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni and other dignitaries.

About 20,000 people attended the National level Hari Raya Open House.