MalaysianUpdates

Category: Health & Safety

  • IJN Achieves Historic Milestone as Asia’s First EAPC-Accredited Sports Cardiology Centre

    Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has successfully obtained accreditation from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) for Sports Cardiology, becoming the first centre in Asia to receive this recognition under the EAPC Preventive Cardiology Centre Accreditation programme. This achievement underscores IJN’s commitment to delivering high-quality cardiovascular care in line with international standards. The accreditation signifies that IJN meets stringent criteria in cardiovascular preventive care, particularly in Sports Cardiology, including adherence to the latest clinical guidelines, well-established infrastructure, and a highly trained multidisciplinary team.

    Chief Executive Officer of IJN, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, said the accreditation reflects the institution’s continuous efforts to enhance patient care and outcomes. He described the recognition as a significant milestone that demonstrates IJN’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based cardiovascular care. He added that the accreditation validates the strength of IJN’s Sports Cardiology service, which is built on sound clinical governance, up-to-date guidelines, a capable multidisciplinary team, and the appropriate infrastructure to support improved patient outcomes. As the first centre in Asia to receive this recognition under the programme, he emphasised that IJN remains committed to advancing its capabilities in line with international standards while reinforcing its position as a leading cardiac centre in the region.

    Dato’ Sri Dr. Azmee Mohd Ghazi, Director of Sports Cardiology at IJN, said the accreditation highlights the importance of specialised cardiovascular care in supporting active individuals and athletes. He noted that the recognition reflects the strength of IJN’s Sports Cardiology programme in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care for athletes and physically active individuals. It also reinforces IJN’s role in ensuring safe sports participation through proper cardiovascular assessment, risk management, and continuous monitoring aligned with international best practices.

    The EAPC accreditation programme aims to establish benchmarks in preventive cardiology practice, ultimately improving the quality of care and cardiovascular health outcomes globally. With this recognition, IJN joins a global network of accredited centres committed to advancing preventive cardiology, fostering collaboration, and promoting best practices in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

    Director of Sports Cardiology at IJN, Dato’ Sri Dr. Azmee Mohd Ghazi, noted that the accreditation highlights the importance of specialised cardiovascular care in supporting athletes and physically active individuals. He explained that the recognition reflects the strength of IJN’s Sports Cardiology programme in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care, while reinforcing its role in ensuring safe sports participation through proper cardiovascular assessment, risk management, and continuous monitoring aligned with international best practices.

    The EAPC accreditation programme aims to establish benchmarks in preventive cardiology practice, ultimately improving the quality of care and cardiovascular health outcomes globally. With this recognition, IJN joins a global network of accredited centres dedicated to advancing preventive cardiology, fostering collaboration, and promoting best practices in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

  • Safer Raya Travel: Every Moment Matters on the Road

    Dr Mohamad Hafiz bin Mohmad Hassim, Consultant Orthopaedic & Advanced Musculoskeletal Trauma Surgeon, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City 
    Dr Mohd Khalis bin Abdul Rahim, Consultant Emergency Physician, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City

    As Malaysians prepare to balik kampung for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, highways and roads nationwide are expected to see a significant surge in traffic. The festive موسم coinciding with school holidays means longer travel hours, increased congestion, and more families journeying together. While the spirit of Raya centres on reunion and celebration, it is also one of the most high-risk periods on the road. Even a brief lapse in attention, fatigue, or a moment of speeding can lead to life-altering consequences within seconds.

    According to data from Royal Malaysia Police Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, over 15,000 road accidents and 123 fatalities were recorded خلال the 2025 festive travel period, reflecting a worrying rise compared to the previous year. For medical professionals, this seasonal spike translates into a surge of trauma cases, ranging from road traffic collisions involving motorists and motorcyclists to घरेलू and recreational injuries during the holidays.

    At Sunway Medical Centre, emergency teams operate under intense pressure during this period. Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Mohd Khalis bin Abdul Rahim explains that trauma care begins with the critical ABCDE approach—airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure—to quickly identify and treat life-threatening conditions. This process involves a coordinated effort from multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, radiologists, anaesthetists, and critical care specialists, all working in sync to stabilise patients before further intervention.

    Recovery doesn’t stop after surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are crucial in helping patients get back on their feet. 

    Once stabilised, orthopaedic specialists like Dr Mohamad Hafiz bin Mohmad Hassim take over to assess injuries and determine the best course of treatment. Trauma cases often include fractures, joint injuries, and complex conditions requiring urgent surgery. However, not all injuries demand immediate العمليات—careful judgment is essential in deciding when surgical intervention is necessary and when conservative management is more appropriate. Importantly, doctors caution that some injuries may not be immediately visible, making early medical evaluation crucial even when symptoms appear mild.

    Modern imaging technology has revolutionised trauma care, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis. From X-rays to CT scans and MRI, doctors can now visualise injuries in detail within minutes. Advanced 3D imaging also allows surgeons to plan procedures more precisely, reducing complications and improving outcomes. In some cases, interventional radiology can control internal bleeding without the need for open surgery, significantly increasing survival chances.

    However, recovery does not end after surgery. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy play an equally vital role in ensuring patients regain mobility and strength. Early movement, sometimes within days after surgery, helps prevent stiffness and long-term disability. Skipping rehabilitation can lead to prolonged recovery or permanent loss of function, highlighting the importance of consistent follow-up care.

    Advice for bystanders, call 999 straight away. Press firmly on any heavy bleeding using a clean cloth or bandage. Only do CPR if you are trained. Otherwise, just keep the victim calm, still, and breathing.

    For bystanders, immediate response can make a life-saving difference. Ensuring personal safety comes first, followed by calling emergency services at 999. Applying firm pressure to bleeding wounds, keeping the injured person calm, and performing CPR if trained are crucial steps that can stabilise victims before professional help arrives.

    Ultimately, prevention remains the most effective approach. Simple اقدامات such as wearing seatbelts, using proper helmets, ensuring child safety seats, and maintaining vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries. Road users, especially motorcyclists and cyclists, are urged to avoid speeding and practise defensive driving at all times.

    As festive journeys bring loved ones together, safety must remain a top priority. With greater awareness, responsible behaviour, and timely emergency care, tragedies can be prevented—ensuring that every journey this Raya ends safely at home.