Sabahans to benefit from immediate RM80mil fund
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to have its own cardiology centre soon, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He announced the establishment of the Sabah Cardiology Centre, a dedicated block for cardiology cases, at the Queen Elizabeth II main hospital here.
He said three cardiologists or heart specialists will be transferred here while an immediate allocation of RM80mil has been approved to start this project.
Anwar said this during the Madani Hari Raya open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre here yesterday.
In his speech, he said that the healthcare system in Sabah is quite limited and many have to fly to Peninsular Malaysia for various forms of treatment.
Among the works to be done for this new block would include upgrading existing infrastructure such as the emergency unit, ward, daycares, loose equipment and associated works.
Celebrating diversity: Anwar (centre) and Tun Juhar (left) attending the national-level hari Raya Open House. — Bernama
The current cardiology and cardiothoracic department provides 107 beds for patients, a specialist clinic, an invasive and non-invasive catheterisation laboratory I(CL) and a cardiothoracic operation theatre.
There are a total of 120 trained nurses and the bed occupancy rate has reached 75% to date.
Earlier, Anwar said that the unity government will 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 is proud to be among the hosts for the national-level Hari Raya celebrations, as it is an acknowledgement of the harmony and unity among the multi-cultural people of Sabah.
He said people in Sabah live 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 were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni and other dignitaries.
About 20,000 people attended the Hari Raya Open House.
