HEART patients in Bintulu, Sarawak, can now seek treatment locally thanks to the establishment of a catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at Hospital Bintulu.
The new cardiac unit, opened in February, was made possible through a RM2.25mil contribution from Sarawak Heart Foundation, with funds channelled from Petro Sarawak (RM1.6mil), Press Metal Bintulu (RM500,000) and Bintulu Port Holdings (RM150,000).
Hospital Bintulu is the second public hospital in Sarawak, after Sarawak Heart Centre (SHC) in Kota Samarahan, to have the facility.
At the handover ceremony, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the foundation’s deputy chairman, said the cardiac unit marked a significant improvement in access to life-saving treatment for communities in the region.
“With the cath lab, patients in Bintulu and nearby areas no longer need to be referred to SHC.
“It serves as a mini satellite centre, improving access to treatment and potentially saving more lives,” he said.
Since the launch of the visiting specialist service, two cardiologists from SHC have been flying to Bintulu twice a month.
Up to the end of September, 145 patients had been treated, including 75 who had procedures to remove plaque buildup and open blocked arteries.
