IJN Foundation spends RM4 million a year for needy heart patients

The National Heart Institute (IJN) Foundation spent more than RM4 million a year to help the poor and needy heart patients from all over the country, said its chairman, Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong.

She said more than 1,000 adult and child patients had benefited under the aid programme carried out by the foundation since it was established in 1995.

"That is why, we, at IJN Foundation, always have to ensure there is enough fund, of at least RM3.7 million to RM4 million a year to help patients in need of immediate treatment," she told a media conference after the handing over of tithe of RM100,000 by Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to IJN Foundation at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at the National Zoo here.

It was handed over by Selangor Health, Welfare, Women and Family Affairs Permanent Committee chairman Dr Daroyah Alwi to the foundation.

Aishah said since January until October this year, the foundation had spent RM3.7 million to finance the treatment and surgery of 137 patients, comprising 73 adults and 64 children.

She said the cost of treatment for children and infants ranged between RM30,000 and RM40,000 per patient.

Meanwhile, 30 child heart patients, together with their family members, were taken to the zoo today, during which they visited giant panda Xing Xing and Liang Liang.

The visit was made in conjunction with IJN Foundation's 21st anniversary and to commemorate World Children's Day.

-- BERNAMA