Serdang: The Ministry of Health (MOH) will add two invasive cardiology laboratories (ICL) at the Serdang Heart Centre, with procurement scheduled for 2026 and expected to be operational in 2027. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, stated that this initiative is crucial for improving heart treatment in government hospitals and emphasizes the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly announced the development during the Hari Jantung Jelajah Wira MADANI 2025 celebration at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital (HSIS). Also present was HSIS director Dr. Farique Rizal Abdul Hamid. Dr Dzulkefly highlighted the necessity of expanding treatment facilities and heart screening programs. The MOH aims to strengthen acute treatment facilities at major hospitals, including those in Serdang, Penang, and Sarawak.

Several hospitals in Melaka, Miri, and Tawau have already received additional angiography catheterisation laboratories (Cathlab) worth RM14.5 million each. However, the ministry’s primary focus remains on prevention. Dr Dzulkefly stressed that relying solely on curative treatment leads to a constant state of crisis. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) found that one in three Malaysians has high cholesterol, one in three has hypertension, and one in six has diabetes. Early screening, an active lifestyle, healthy eating, and risk factor management are vital, he noted.

In relation to Budget 2026, Dr Dzulkefly mentioned that the MOH is in intensive discussions with the Minister of Finance II (MK2) and relevant parties to enhance health allocations, including for heart treatment. Positive developments are anticipated, with the Budget 2026 set to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 10. Under Budget 2025, the MOH received RM45.3 billion, an increase from RM41.2 billion allocated under Budget 2024.