A wait for cardiothoracic patients that seems “forever”: A wake-up call for our healthcare system


  • Letters
  • Thursday, 24 Jul 2025

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently revealed that 2,293 patients are currently waiting for cardiothoracic surgery in government hospitals, with some waiting up to seven months. For children’s heart surgeries, the situation is even more worrisome — 603 cases on the waiting list, with an average wait time of 21 months.

These are not just cold, lifeless statistics. Behind every number is a human story: 2,293 worried patients, and 603 families going through emotional turmoil.

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