PETALING JAYA: Cardiothoracic surgeries are expected to resume at the Serdang Heart Centre this year, says Selangor Health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin.
The Star reported on May 14 that four operating theatres at the cardiac facility, which was opened less than two years ago, could not be used. It has had numerous maintenance issues, most notably with the air conditioning.
The report also said only one of the operating theatres in the hospital’s old building was functioning.
“However, there were some technical issues involving electricity supply and high humidity at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital Heart Centre’s (Serdang Heart Centre) surgery complex.
“Further action is being taken by the main contractor under the surveillance of the Public Works Department before the complex can begin operations,” Dr Ummi Kalthom said yesterday.
She said although the operating theatres at the Serdang Heart Centre were not yet operational, cardiothoracic surgeries are still being conducted in the old hospital wing.
She added that the National Heart Institute (IJN) also received patient referrals.
“Aside from the cardiothoracic surgeries offered at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, the Health Ministry has also taken steps to outsource cardiothoracic procedures to private facilities.
“This initiative is in the final stages of planning and is expected to be implemented in the near future,” Dr Ummi Kalthom said.
She hoped that the measures taken would help reduce waiting times for patients.
“The Selangor Health Department will closely monitor the repairs at the Serdang Heart Centre’s Surgery Complex and ensure that the process is expedited for the continuation of service.”
Dr Ummi Kalthom said the cardiac facility has been operating in phases since commencing operations on Dec 13, 2022.
To date, all general wards, including the Critical Care Unit at the Serdang Heart Centre, are operational.
The infrastructure issues at the facility had left some 1,000 patients on a waiting list that stretched over several months.
The cardiac facility, which opened in December 2022, is one of Malaysia’s primary cardiology centres, receiving referrals from all over the nation.
