By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: A hospital dedicated to cardiovascular treatment will be built on a 10-acre site in Likas soon.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yayasan Sabah Group, through its investment arm Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB), and the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who witnessed the signing ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), said the setting up of the first heart hospital in Sabah reflects the government’s commitment to provide better healthcare for the people.
ICSB executive chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya said patients will no longer need to rely entirely on facilities outside the state, reducing travel costs and expediting access to specialist treatment.
“This initiative will also support the Sabah Heart Centre at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, which currently has limited capacity compared to actual needs,” he said.
He said the strategic collaboration will benefit Sabah not only in terms of improved access to healthcare, but also in economic development and job opportunities.
IJN chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Malaysia, highlighting the need for a more responsive and integrated healthcare system.
He said access to high-quality treatment must be expanded so it can be enjoyed more widely, regardless of geographical location.
Dr Noor Hisham said the opening of the IJN hospital in Sabah would also open up a new market in health tourism, offering world-class medical services at affordable prices.
Director Datuk Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar and Jasnih signed on behalf of Yayasan Sabah Group, while IJN was represented by its group chief executive officer Prof Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib and clinical chief officer Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya.
At the same event, another MoU was signed between University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and IJN University College to create opportunities for developing a skilled and professional healthcare workforce.
UCSF was represented by its vice chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris and registrar Norashikin Ahmad, while IJN University College was represented by its vice chancellor Prof Emerita Dr Durrishah and IJN deputy chief executive officer Dato Akmal Arief Fauzi.
Hajiji witnessing the exchange of documents between Ghulamhaidar (third left), and Ezani (second right), as others look on.
