those in the B40 income group face a harder time getting treatment for heart disease due to financial hardship, said Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
“Effective treatment is available, but many patients still struggle to access timely care because of financial constraints.
“This is the reason behind Northern Heart Hospital Penang’s ‘HeartBeat of Penang’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“It gives B40 patients a second chance through the life-saving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure.”
PCI, also known as coronary angioplasty, helps restore blood flow to the heart.
“Last year they sponsored three PCI procedures for B40 patients,” said Gooi.
“This year, the initiative has expanded to provide five free procedures.”
He said quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“One of the state’s priorities is strengthening collaboration between the public and private healthcare sectors so we can deliver better care to the people of Penang.
“This collaboration enables eligible B40 patients, identified through the appropriate referral process by Penang General Hospital, to receive the life-saving PCI treatment,” said Gooi during a press conference at the Northern Heart Hospital Penang in George Town.
Also present were Penang General Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang, Northern Heart Hospital consultant cardiologist and person-in-charge Dr Tan Chiang Soo, its chief executive officer Kelen Leong and general manager Katrina Felix.
State health director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah commended Northern Heart Hospital on its CSR initiative.
“It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that life-saving cardiac care reaches those who need it most,” he said.
“While the Health Ministry remains committed to providing accessible, quality healthcare, we recognise that today’s healthcare challenges require strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“By combining our expertise, resources and shared purpose, we can improve access to specialised treatment and ensure patients receive timely, quality care.”
Regardless of where patients first seek treatment, Dr Zulhizzam said the common goal is to put patients first.
“Initiatives like this help ensure that financial limitations do not prevent patients from receiving critical treatment,” he said.
