(Miri, 9th) Recently, Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man brought an exciting piece of news. Deputy Minister of Health, Dato' Lukanisman, announced that Miri Hospital would introduce an Invasive Cardiovascular Laboratory (ICL) equipment, expected to be implemented in the second quarter of 2025 and completed with installation and commissioning by the first quarter of 2026. Upon completion of the project, along with the addition of cardiology specialists, Miri Hospital will be able to provide professional services to heart patients in urgent need of treatment.
In response, Sarawak DAP Secretary Ling Sie Kiong expressed that this is undoubtedly great news for Miri.
He stated that Kuching was the earliest region in Sarawak to have a cardiology specialty, while other regions remained inactive. This has led residents from provinces outside Kuching facing heart disease issues to travel to Kuching for medical consultation.
“Now, Miri will soon have its own cardiology services. This is undoubtedly great news. However, while hoping that the cardiology services, which are to be implemented and put into use in 2026, come with sufficient equipment, they also need to have a matching number of doctors.”
According to public feedback, the emergency department of the cardiology hospital in Kuching often faces a shortage of medical personnel, with only one chief physician during morning and night shifts. The series of operations from queuing, blood tests, to obtaining an electrocardiogram takes five to six hours, or even longer. Moreover, the waiting area is set outdoors.
Ling Sie Kiong candidly stated that he hopes the shortcomings of Kuching's cardiology hospital can be learned from by the upcoming Miri cardiology services to enhance its services. This will prevent patients, who are already eager for medical attention, from facing long waits.
He pointed out that the implementation of cardiology services in Miri not only benefits the residents of Miri but also serves as an important hub covering the northern Sarawak area. This allows residents in the northern Sarawak area to avoid long journeys to Kuching for medical attention.
In view of this, Ling Sie Kiong emphasized that he will actively follow up with Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man on the related matters. Ensuring that Miri Hospital fully fulfills its capacity as a state-level comprehensive hospital.