The National Heart Institute (IJN) Foundation needs RM4.5 million a year to cover the cost of medical treatment for the poor at IJN.

IJN Foundation chairman, Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong said RM4 million was spent to cover the medical costs and operations of 157 poor patients last year.

"The number involves 80 adults and 77 children," she said when met by reporters at a handing over of contribution by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to the IJN Foundation at the Kampung Sungai Serdang Public Hall, Kapar here today.

Taking place simultaneously at the event was a heart awareness programme 'Love My Heart 100 per cent' which gave free health checks and a talk on heart care to Kampung Sungai Serdang and Kampung Tok Muda residents, in Kapar.

She said, other than covering the medical cost of the poor group, the IJN Foundation was also active in contributing fund for studies conducted by medical experts at IJN.

"The studies conducted by IJN experts are among the factors IJN is recognised as among the foremost heart treatment centre in the region," she added.

-- BERNAMA