By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Heart Centre at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (HQE2) here is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2029.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the RM125 million project was approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 1 and involved upgrading works, development, equipment procurement and other related works.
"The scope has been determined, including upgrading works, development, equipment procurement and other related works. If there is a need for additional funding, it can be considered later.
"The Health Ministry is currently in the procurement process for material testing works, which are expected to be completed in this month.
"This material testing is part of the preliminary works under the project," he told reporters after chairing a Joint Action Committee meeting on Sabah Health Development at a hotel here.
Also present was Sabah Women, Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Mojungki.
Dzulkefly said the main development works were expected to begin in early 2027, with the centre targeted to be operational 24 months later.
"Given the focus of the Economy Ministry this year, we have made the Sabah Heart Centre a priority. I would say it takes priority over other projects. It is very important that we get this moving.
"The main development works are expected to be implemented in early 2027.
"If everything proceeds smoothly, with no glitches, the Sabah Heart Centre should be operational 24 months, or two years, after that - by the third quarter of 2029," he said.
In 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the facility would be known as the Sabah Heart Centre, with an immediate allocation of RM80 million.
Dzulkefly said the ministry would also plan ahead for the centre's manpower requirements.
He said issues involving the registration of returning cardiothoracic surgeons with the National Specialist Register had been resolved.
"We hope to have a few more in the pipeline who will complete their training and enter what is known as supervised work experience (SWE) before they are recognised as full specialists.
"Insya-Allah, by that time, we will ensure that the Sabah Heart Centre has an increased number of cardiothoracic surgeons," he said.
The Sabah Heart Centre is among 53 high-impact projects worth RM1.57 billion allocated under the 13MP RP1.
Another project is a Type 5 Sapulut health clinic in Nabawan, costing RM81.95 million.
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