KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Electronic Payment System (MEPS) yesterday donated RM190,000 to the National Heart Institute Foundation (IJNF) to cover the cost of surgery for five patients with heart ailments.
MEPS group managing director Zulkanain Kassim said the amount was also to cover the cost of the refurbishment of the IJNF’s dormitory.
“This year, our focus remains unchanged and besides surgeries, the money will be used to refurbish and expand the IJNF’s dormitory. The dormitory opened in 2010 can accommodate more guests and has upgraded facilities for a pleasant stay,” he said at the presentation ceremony here.
The contribution was part of the MEPS-IJN Foundation 2015 Heart Surgery Partnership, which is in its third year.
IJNF board member Datin Zuraida Raja Mansur said the total amount of funds will assist IJNF to purchase 22 double decker beds and 22 lockers for the dormitory.
“This will enable another 44 caregivers and family members to be in close proximity to their loved ones in the ward, and will reduce the burden of the cost of staying elsewhere,” she said.
She said the foundation hoped that other corporate organisations will follow MEPS’ noble initiatives to collaborate with IJNF.
IJN Foundation was established in 1995 with the aim of raising philanthropic support for the work carried out at the IJN.
In 2015, the IJNF disbursed RM3.5 million under its Patient Assistance Programmes and was able to cover the surgery cost of 124 patients – 71 adults and 53 children. — Bernama