BINTULU: Efforts to enhance cardiac treatment capacity in Central Sarawak have reached another milestone with the Sarawak Heart Foundation contributing medical equipment worth RM2.25 million to Bintulu Hospital for the establishment of a new Cardiac Unit.

The handover ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Sarawak Heart Foundation, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, at Bintulu Hospital on Monday.

According to Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, the RM2.25 million fund was made possible through contributions of RM1.6 million from PETROS, RM500,000 from Press Metal Bintulu, and RM150,000 from Bintulu Port Holdings.

With this funding, Bintulu Hospital successfully completed its Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) in February 2025, making it the second public hospital in Sarawak, after the Sarawak Heart Centre, to have such a facility.

Since the visiting specialist service began on 24 February 2025, two cardiologists from the Sarawak Heart Centre have been flown to Bintulu twice a month.

By the end of September 2025, a total of 145 patients had received treatment, including 75 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedures.

“With the establishment of this Cath Lab, heart patients in Bintulu and nearby areas no longer need to be referred to the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.

“It serves as a mini satellite centre, improving access to treatment and potentially saving more lives,” he explained.

He also expressed his appreciation to all contributors and urged more corporate bodies and individuals to support the Sarawak Heart Foundation’s mission in assisting heart patients in need.

Also present were Tanjong Batu Assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming, representatives from the main sponsoring companies, and Bintulu Hospital Director Dr. Suzalinna Sulaiman. -UKASnews