KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre (SGH Heart Centre) has been earmarked to become the most advanced research institution in the field of genetic and molecular imaging.
SGH Heart Centre head of Cardiology Department and Clinical Research Centre, Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said SGH Heart Centre needed to focus on the research aspects to be on par with other respected medical institutions in the world.
“Medical institutions will be judged on their research in particular fields and not on their type or quality of services,” he said at a media briefing and tour of SGH Heart Centre here yesterday.
He said for genetic research it will focus on the suitability of certain medicines toward human body.
Although he did not elaborate on the molecular imaging, the definition obtained through the medical journal online states that it was the visualisation, characterisation and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in humans and other living systems.
The techniques used include radiotracer imaging/nuclear medicine, MR imaging, MR spectroscopy, optical imaging and ultrasound.
Dr Sim said since the centre started operations on January 1, it has received 1,455 outpatients, 284 in-patients and 194 patients at the emergency ward with a fee, as low as RM3 to RM5 per patient.
“We are providing a world class treatment but at a nominal fee and I can guarantee that those who received treatment here will not want to go home,” he said.
The RM400-million SGH Heart Centre, has 500 staff and 60 beds.
It’s outpatient unit is expected to see more than 20,000 patients this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak officially opened the SGH Heart Centre on January 16. — Bernama