Latest news with #IJN
The Star
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
RM50,000 target reached for teen's heart surgery
MALAYSIANS have once again shown their generosity by helping to raise more than RM50,000 for Chiet Ailai (pic), a 15-year-old boy from Sik, Kedah, in urgent need of heart surgery. Star Foundation, which launched an initiative under its Medical Fund Programme to raise the needed funds, has ended the fundraising drive initiated for him. Chiet was diagnosed with severe supravalvular neo-aortic stenosis and requires life-saving surgery at National Heart Insitute (IJN). Star Foundation's fundraising initiative to raise RM50,000 for life-saving heart surgery for Chiet Ailai, 15. The total cost of the procedure is RM80,000, with RM30,000 secured from One Hope Charity and Welfare, a non-profit organisation. Thanks to the public's swift support, the fundraising target has been met, and even surpassed. In a media statement, Star Foundation said the surplus funds would go towards helping the next eligible patient under the foundation's Medical Fund Programme. 'Donors who wish to obtain a tax exemption receipt are encouraged to complete the Medical Fund donation form on the Star Foundation's website,' it added. Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group. Since 2016, the foundation has supported underprivileged individuals by funding critical medical treatment and care. Visit to learn more, or email starfoundation@
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
IJN honours life-saving donors, celebrates Tun Mahathir's 100th birthday
Special recognition was given to the Health Ministry for its consistent support through UTKKKM, a partnership that continues to be critical in providing equitable access to treatment for underprivileged patients. KUALA LUMPUR - Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) paid tribute to the generous individuals and organisations who have played a vital role in saving lives by supporting treatment for underprivileged heart patients on Sunday. The appreciation ceremony also marked a significant moment in IJN's history as it celebrated the 100th birthday of its founding visionary, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the 99th birthday of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali. Held at a hotel here, the NGO Appreciation Hi-Tea brought together representatives from 21 non-governmental organisations and key corporate donors whose continuous support has helped hundreds of patients receive critical cardiac care. Their contributions, through the IJN Foundation and direct partnerships, have made a tangible impact on the lives of many families. Among the organisations recognised were Lembaga Zakat Selangor, One Hope Charity & Welfare, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Yayasan Tenaga Nasional, Maybank Foundation, KitaFund, Sinar Harian, Star Foundation, NSTP and others from various states and sectors. In 2024 alone, over RM49.9 million was raised through collaborative efforts involving the Government of Malaysia via Unit Taksiran Khas Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (UTKKKM), the IJN Foundation and 17 NGOs. These funds directly benefited 2,517 patients. As of mid-2025, a further RM20.7 million has already been channelled to support ongoing treatment for those in need. Special recognition was given to the Health Ministry for its consistent support through UTKKKM, a partnership that continues to be critical in providing equitable access to treatment for underprivileged patients. IJN Group Chief Executive Officer Professor Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said his team were proud to work with partners who made healing possible, not just through medical expertise, but through generosity and care. 'In 2024, the IJN Foundation funded 938 patients, amounting to RM8.4 million, covering a wide range of cardiac procedures, including congenital heart defect surgeries in children, valve replacements in elderly patients, and urgent interventional procedures in high-risk cases. 'This would not have been possible without the many generous souls who contribute year after year to the Foundation's cause. Your donations, no matter the amount, translate directly into lives saved and families kept whole,' he said in his speech. Among the organisations recognised were Lembaga Zakat Selangor, One Hope Charity & Welfare, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Yayasan Tenaga Nasional, Maybank Foundation, KitaFund, Sinar Harian, Star Foundation, NSTP and others from various states and sectors. Dr Ezani highlighted that the very foundation of IJN was built on Tun Dr Mahathir's vision for a cardiac centre that offers both world-class expertise and equal access to care for all Malaysians. The appreciation ceremony also marked a significant moment in IJN's history as it celebrated the 100th birthday of its founding visionary, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the 99th birthday of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali. 'It was Tun who saw the need for a national heart institute that would provide not just world-class care, but equitable access. 'An institution where the most advanced medical procedures are available, not just to the wealthy, but to all Malaysians. And today, as we see patients from every corner of the country, from every walk of life, walk through our doors and walk out healthier, we are reminded that this dream has become a living, breathing reality,' he added.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Tun M: My heart attack led to IJN's creation
KUALA LUMPUR: "My chest has been opened three times. It's quite frightening when your chest is opened and people are 'playing around' with your heart — but Alhamdulillah, I survived." That was how former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recalled a harrowing moment during his heart bypass surgery, which later inspired the establishment of the National Heart Institute (IJN). Speaking at his 100th birthday celebration hosted by IJN today, Dr Mahathir said he never imagined having heart problems, as he had always considered himself to be in good health. However, that changed one night in 1989 when the then 64-year-old attended a dinner and returned home feeling extremely uncomfortable in his chest. "I thought lying down would ease it, but it didn't. I got up — still there. I walked around — still felt a tightness in my chest," he said. Dr Mahathir said after contacting his doctor, he was diagnosed with a heart attack and rushed to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (HKL). "At the hospital, I met Dr Robaayah (renowned cardiologist and IJN's first CEO, Tan Sri Dr Robaayah Zambahari) and other doctors, and they confirmed it was a heart attack. "Not a massive one, but a heart attack nonetheless," he said. At the time, open-heart surgery was the only treatment available, and there was debate over whether he should undergo the procedure in the United States or Kuala Lumpur. "I asked the doctors, could it be done in KL? They said yes. So I said, fine — if it can be done in KL, I should do it here. "I felt I should at least show some confidence in Malaysian doctors," he said, referring to local heart surgeon Tan Sri Dr Yahya Awang. Following the lengthy and successful surgery, the doctors were concerned over the lack of proper facilities for heart surgery at HKL. "They complained they didn't have good facilities. They said we should have a dedicated heart centre," he said. Dr Mahathir recalled visiting a state-of-the-art heart centre in Manila, Philippines, and the idea struck him. "I thought, why not? We should have a heart centre. And of course, at that time, I was the prime minister — and a prime minister has a lot of power. "It was a matter of allocating funds for a new heart centre, and I immediately approved the establishment of a heart institute in KL — and that's how IJN was founded," he said. IJN was then founded in 1992. The institute specialises in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services for both adult and paediatric patients. As the national referral centre for cardiovascular disease, IJN sees new cases referred from all over the country and abroad and follow-up cases at the outpatient clinics. It went through an expansion which was completed in late 2009. Following the expansion, the number of beds dedicated for heart treatment increased to 432, making IJN one of the largest heart centres in the region. In March 2019, pioneer surgeon Yahya announced the takeover of IJN by the Health Ministry from the Finance Ministry. Dr Mahathir, who underwent three heart surgeries in Malaysia — one at HKL and two at IJN — said he takes pride in the capabilities of local doctors, whom he considers on par with international specialists. "I believe our doctors are just as good as anyone else. "My belief is that we can do whatever others can do," he said. Dr Mahathir suffered a heart attack in 1989 when he was prime minister, followed by two more in 2006. A year later, he underwent a quadruple bypass surgery.
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Fundraising drive ends as RM50,000 target reached for teen's heart surgery
MALAYSIANS have once again shown their generosity by helping to raise more than RM50,000 for Chiet Ailai, a 15-year-old boy from Sik, Kedah, in urgent need of heart surgery. The Star Foundation, which launched an initiative under its Medical Fund Programme to raise the needed funds, has ended the fundraising drive. Chiet was diagnosed with severe supravalvular neo-aortic stenosis and requires life-saving surgery at National Heart Insitute (IJN). The total cost of the procedure is RM80,000, with RM30,000 secured from One Hope Charity & Welfare, a non-profit organisation. Thanks to the public's swift support, the fundraising target has been met, and even surpassed. In a media statement, Star Foundation said the surplus funds would go towards helping the next eligible patient under the foundation's Medical Fund programme. "Donors who wish to obtain a tax exemption receipt are encouraged to complete the Medical Fund Donation Form on the Star Foundation's website," it added. Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group. Since 2016, the Foundation has supported underprivileged individuals by funding critical medical treatment and care. To learn more, visit or email starfoundation@
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Tun M featured in news clip in Japanese subway train, netizens beam with pride
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad continues to leave an indelible mark on the global stage, even after retiring from active politics. Recently, news about the former Prime Minister was featured on a Japanese subway train. In a TikTok video, the brief news clip was said to have reported on Dr Mahathir's health condition. The segment sparked pride among Malaysians on social media, who were moved to see Mahathir's enduring legacy acknowledged abroad. On 10 July, Dr Mahathir reportedly left his birthday picnic early due to fatigue. The event, held beside Putrajaya Lake, was a joint celebration in honour of his 100th birthday and that of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who turned 99 on July 12. During the picnic and potluck gathering, the centenarian cycled along the lake, covering approximately eight to nine kilometres. He appeared visibly exhausted after the activity. Later, he said that he had sought medical attention at the National Heart Institute (IJN) and assured the public that he was recovering well.
