KOTA KINABALU, APRIL 6, 2026: National Heart Institute chairman Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah speaking during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre here. Photo courtesy of Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah.
By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.myPictures courtesy of Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah
KOTA KINABALU: National Heart Institute's (IJN) expansion of services to Sabah is opening new markets in the health tourism for the state.
IJN chairman Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today between the institute and Sabah reflects a strategic step forward in strengthening healthcare services as well as human capital development in Sabah.
He said IJN, which is recognised member under the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, continues to play a role in attracting international patients and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global destination for high-quality yet affordable healthcare.
"With the expansion of services in Sabah, we have the opportunity to open new markets in the health tourism sector, thereby adding value to both the state and national economy.
"Therefore, collaborations such as this should be viewed as a long-term investment in strengthening the national healthcare system.
"It not only improves access to treatment but also empowers local capacity and stimulates the overall development of the healthcare sector," he said during the signing ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, state Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Julita Mojungki, as well as IJN chief executive officer Professor Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib.
The former Health Ministry director-general said more than three decades, IJN has developed clinical expertise, introduced advanced treatment technologies, and strengthened patient care standards comparable to leading international heart centres.
However, he said in ensuring the effectiveness of the national healthcare system, IJN must move beyond a centralised approach and high-quality treatment must be expanded so that it can be enjoyed more equitably regardless of geographical location.
"What we aim to build (in Sabah) is not merely a treatment facility, but an integrated healthcare ecosystem encompassing clinical care, professional training, education and the development of local expertise.
"IJN is committed to sharing its expertise in treatment, technology, clinical systems and hospital management to ensure that the services to be developed meet high-quality standards and are patient safety-oriented."
Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said based on the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Malaysia in 2024, with more than 17,000 deaths, accounting for about 13 per cent of all medically certified deaths.
This disease is also the leading cause of death among men and the middle-aged group.
Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB) executive chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya said in Sabah, there are 3,000 cardiovascular cases with 300 patients are in waiting-list.
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