First Angiogram done in Brunei

Pehin Dato Haji Awang Abu Bakar (2nd from right), the Minister of Health witnessing an Angiogram demonstration at JPCC. Photo: Laila Rahman

In an initiative in its continuing effort to become an internationally recognised National Cardiovascular Centre equipped with state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment facilities to provide high quality cardiovascular care, this crucial cardiac catheterisation was witnessed by Guest of Honour Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abu Bakar, the Minister of Health.

Through a video link-up to the operating theatre, invited guests also witnessed the Angiogram procedure performed by Dr Michael Lim, Medical Director of Cardiology Department, at Gleneagles JPMC.

This medical first for Brunei comes at a time when statistics point to a near three-fold increase in heart disease in the country.

The Minister of Health Pehin Abu Bakar expressing his pleasure to witness the procedure observed that in countries that have reached a high standard of living, heart disease was one of the major causes of death.

"Brunei Darussalam is no exception and heart disease remains one of the major causes of death," he said.

"And the sudden onset of heart disease may result in life threatening situations and rapid access to treatment in a state of the art facility can result in more lives being saved," the Minister said.

The Minister said that in a few months time the first Coronary Angioplasty will be followed by the first open heart surgery in Brunei, too.

The most important aspects of these facilities would be that patients suffering from a heart attack or near heart attack situation will have immediate access to emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery, without having to be referred overseas.

The Minister also noted that this centre would further develop into a cardiovascular center of excellence with international standards and reputation, which can provide high quality cardiac care with up to date diagnostic and treatment facilities.

"It is not a disease of old age alone, many young people too suffer and die from heart disease. This is because co-existence of cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

The Minister also observed that the centre has eminent doctors of international standards and a team of able administrators and a medical director with International repute and vast experience leads the centre.

Also present at the event was Chairman of JPMC Pengiran Dato Laila Utama Hj Kamarulzaman, Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Hj Yakub, Dr Lim Cheok Peng, Managing Director of Parkway Group Healthcare as well as other distinguished guests.