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BINTULU, 25 February 2025 – Hospital Bintulu has officially launched its cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab), making it the second government hospital in Sarawak to offer this essential heart treatment facility. This development is a major breakthrough for heart patients in central Sarawak, as they no longer need to travel to the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kuching for specialized procedures.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the significance of the new facility, emphasizing its role in improving access to heart disease treatment in the state. He noted that Sarawak’s first cardiac catheterization lab was initially located at Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) before being transferred to the Sarawak Heart Centre. Now, with the establishment of a cath lab in Hospital Bintulu, heart care services are more accessible to residents in the region.
“With this cath lab, patients experiencing heart attacks or blocked arteries can receive immediate treatment without requiring referrals to Kuching,” Dr Sim said during his visit to the facility on Tuesday.
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He further stressed the importance of advanced cardiac intervention, particularly in cases where blood remains clogged despite the use of blood-thinning medication. He also revealed that the medical team successfully performed six procedures on the first day of operation and an additional five the following day.
Meanwhile, Dr Ong Chong Kiam, consultant cardiologist and head of the Department of Cardiology at the Sarawak Heart Centre, stated that the Bintulu Hospital cath lab functions as a mini satellite unit of the Sarawak Heart Centre. His team will be actively involved in interventional cardiology treatments, further enhancing heart care services in the region.
The transformation of the hospital’s radiology lab into a full-fledged cath lab was made possible through over RM2 million in funding from PETROS and Press Metal, contributed via the Sarawak Heart Foundation.
Hospital Bintulu Director Suzarina and other key medical personnel were also present at the event, marking a new milestone in the state’s healthcare system. — UKASnews