KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2024 – Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) acknowledges the concerns raised in a letter by S. Balagurunathan that has recently gained significant attention on social media, particularly regarding the accessibility of our services. We greatly value feedback from the community and are committed to transparency. However, it is important to clarify that the policies and practices mentioned in the letter are not IJN’s independent decisions, but are in line with government-set guidelines and regulations.

 

IJN is a corporatized entity fully owned by the government through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. While we operate under the framework of the Malaysian Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, our primary mission remains the provision of exceptional care to all Malaysians, regardless of their financial status or background. In fact, 75% of our current workload comprises patients from the government sector, including civil servants, pensioners, and their dependents.

 

As part of its corporatisation objective, IJN will collaborate with Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals to serve as a referral centre for the nation’s cardiology and cardiothoracic cases. Patients referred to IJN from public hospitals will only be discharged once they are stable, following a monitoring period of 6 to 12 months to ensure their recovery is on track. This process is guided by the policies set by the Public Services Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Health, not IJN’s independent policy.

 

Earlier this year, the Minister of Health emphasized the importance of discharging patients back to MOH hospitals for follow-up care. This is intended to ensure that IJN can continue to accept and treat new critical and complex cases promptly. By following this government policy, IJN supports the broader strategy of optimising resource allocation across the healthcare system, ensuring that every patient receives the necessary care within a reasonable time frame.

 

Additionally, this approach minimizes the need for patients, particularly those living outside the Klang Valley, to travel far for follow-up appointments and medication.   IJN is also proud to contribute to developing cardiology and cardiothoracic expertise in Malaysia. Many medical professionals working in MOH hospitals nationwide have received training at IJN, and we remain committed to supporting their ongoing professional development through clinical courses and residencies.

 

IJN’s commitment to providing high-quality care is unwavering. We will continue to work diligently to maintain the trust and confidence of our patients and the broader community while adhering to government policies.

 

Patients requiring further information pertaining to their discharge may write to us at heart2heart@ijn.com.my

 

 

For media enquiries, please contact:

 

Corporate Communication

📞Tel:
+603-2600 6316
/
+603-2600 6308
/
+603-2600 3646

📧Email:
ccd@ijn.com.my

 

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