Anwar hails Seberang Jaya Hospital's cardiac care milestone

GEORGE TOWN: Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) has made history as the first Level 2 hospital in Peninsular Malaysia to offer angiogram and angioplasty procedures, expanding access to specialised cardiac care for residents of Seberang Perai and surrounding areas.

Congratulating the hospital's staff, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the expansion of services is expected to shorten waiting times and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment at Penang Hospital (HPP).

"Last January, I visited HSJ to officiate the hospital's new building. Today's development is certainly pleasing, as the upgraded facilities have now been followed by the expansion of specialised treatment urgently needed by residents in Seberang Perai and surrounding areas.

"My highest appreciation goes to the doctors, nurses, healthcare personnel, hospital management, and the Health Ministry for this achievement. Your expertise and service bring hope to patients and strengthen public confidence in the country's public healthcare sector," he posted on social media tonight.

Anwar said the Madani government will continue to enhance the capabilities of public hospitals so that more people can receive faster access to quality treatment to protect lives and the people's wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Penang State Cardiology Services head Datuk Dr Mohamed Jahangir Abdul Wahab said the operation of HSJ's Invasive Cardiology Laboratory, which enables coronary angiogram and angioplasty procedures, reflects the government's commitment to widening access to quality healthcare.

Dr Mohamed Jahangir, who is also HPP's Cardiology Department head, said the initiative follows efforts by the Prime Minister and MOH to ensure more citizens have access to necessary specialised care.

According to him, the primary goal of expanding the service is to ensure patients receive quality cardiac care promptly and closer to home, without enduring long waits.

"With the rising burden of cardiovascular disease and the demand for increasingly complex cardiac care, expanding adult cardiology services at HSJ is a significant strategic step," he told Bernama.

Dr Mohamed Jahangir said long-term plans are in place to develop HSJ into a more comprehensive heart treatment centre, which will include managing complex adult cardiology cases and introducing cardiothoracic surgical services targeted by mid-2027.

He said the initiative will not only increase cardiac treatment capacity in Penang, but also position HSJ as another major cardiovascular referral centre for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

The development of adult cardiology services at HSJ has been carried out in phases since 2023, beginning with the posting of a resident cardiologist before being strengthened through regular specialist rotations, culminating in the establishment of the Cardiology Unit.

The unit is currently equipped with four Coronary Care Unit (CCU) beds and 15 Coronary Rehabilitation Ward (CRW) beds, alongside an Invasive Cardiology Laboratory fitted with an angiography system and modern electrophysiology equipment. – BERNAMA