Kota Kinabalu: The Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (SOSHF) welcomed plans for the establishment of IJN Sabah and called for paediatric cardiac services to be prioritised at the new facility.
“For a child born with a heart defect, time is life. Bringing specialised cardiac care to Sabah means giving that child not just treatment—but a future,” said SOSHF President Datuk Eva Susau.
For over 44 years, she said SOSHF has supported children from Sabah’s most vulnerable communities. “Many are born with congenital heart defects requiring early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention and long-term care. Yet today, families still face long-distance travel, treatment delays and overwhelming financial and emotional burdens.
“The proposed IJN Sabah centre at Likas brings added significance to SOSHF’s recently established halfway home, located within walking distance.
“This facility will provide a safe and supportive sanctuary for patients and families—particularly those from rural areas— ensuring easier access to care, rest, and recovery during treatment,” she added.
SOSHF emphasises that a truly comprehensive heart centre must encompass a dedicated Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, provide specialised neonatal and infant cardiac care, implement early screening and referral systems throughout Sabah—including in rural communities—and ensure sustainable financial support for low-income families.
“This is more than building a hospital — it is about building equity in healthcare,” Eva added.