‘Sibu urgently needs a heart centre’

Wong (right) says a heart centre in Sibu would benefit patients from Sarikei, Bintangor, Mukah, Dalat, Kapit and Bintulu.

SARAWAK’S central region, which has a population of 900,000, should have its own heart centre, says a local leader.

Speaking at a press conference, SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong said that a heart centre would not only benefit the people of Sibu, but also patients from Sarikei, Bintangor, Mukah, Dalat, Kapit and even Bintulu.

“Currently, heart patients from this area can only go to the Samarahan Heart Centre or private medical centres in Kuching to get treatment.

“They often have to bear significant costs like air tickets. There is also the problem of insufficient flights,” he pointed out.

He added that land transport took too long and was an inconvenience for patients, especially during emergencies.

Wong reiterated that if a full-scale heart centre could not be built immediately, a satellite heart centre should be established in Sibu and be gradually upgraded.

He said this in response to an update by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hieng to the media about the progress of Sarawak’s fight for medical autonomy.

The people in Sibu have the right to demand for information from their MPs on whether a heart centre will be built in Sibu, he added.

Wong said MPs, under the unity government, received annual funds of RM4.2mil.