By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Perak State Health Department
IPOH: The Emergency Department of Batu Gajah Hospital (HBG) and the Cardiology Department of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) Ipoh have successfully launched the Kinta Valley Primary PCI STEMI Network service.
This initiative aligns with one of the promises made during the inauguration of the Second Invasive Cardiac Lab (ICL2) of HRPB’s Cardiology Department on 30 May 2025.
It marks a significant achievement in Perak’s healthcare services, particularly in the field of cardiology.
Immediate treatment for acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) — a severe type of heart attack — involves either a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at the ICL or thrombolytic (clot-busting) medication.
Such treatment must be carried out urgently for patients who meet specific clinical criteria to ensure maximum clinical benefit.
Due to various constraints such as the limited number of cardiologists, availability of ICLs, and logistical challenges, thrombolytic treatment has generally been more commonly administered in Perak.
HBG has been selected as the pioneer hospital in this network to collaborate with the Cardiology Department of HRPB Ipoh.
This collaboration involves the rapid treatment and transfer of acute STEMI patients from HBG’s Emergency Department directly to the ICL at the Cardiology Department, Women, Children and Cardiology Complex (KWKK), HRPB Ipoh.
With the successful commencement of this service for a STEMI patient this morning, it is hoped that it will contribute significantly to improving heart health care in Perak.
