PHEB celebrates life-saving heart surgeries

The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has championed a transformative healthcare initiative, facilitating life-saving cardiac surgeries for 23 local children through the 2nd Miracle Baby Programme (MBP).

Conducted pro-bono by a 21-member medical team from Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital (SSSH) in India, the programme addressed congenital heart disease (CHD) in young patients at Penang Hospital.

PHEB’s support underscores its commitment to community health and international medical collaboration.

This milestone strengthens Penang’s healthcare landscape, offering hope to families and fostering global medical partnerships.

PHEB’s role in miracle baby programme

PHEB, led by chairman RSN Rayer, hosted a meeting with SSSH’s medical team, led by Dr P Ragini, chief paediatric cardiac surgeon.

The team operated on 23 children from various races, all suffering from CHD, over the past week. Rayer, also Jelutong’s MP, expressed gratitude, presenting souvenirs to the doctors.

“They were local children from the paediatric ward,” Rayer said during a community meeting on 27 April.

“The doctors’ dedication saved lives.”

The surgeries, performed at Penang Hospital, highlight PHEB’s role in facilitating critical healthcare interventions.

The 2nd MBP, officiated on 24 April by Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Permaisuri of Perak, alongside deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni and UTAR Foundation chairman Sak Cheng Lum, built on the programme’s 2022 debut, which aided 18 children.

This collaborative effort involves the health ministry, UTAR, SSSH, and Penang General Hospital.

Dr RA Lingeshwaran, PHEB deputy chairman and senator, praised the initiative’s global impact. “India’s medical expertise offers invaluable learning,” he said.

“This collaboration enhances our doctors’ exposure.”

A social media post by the High Commission of India noted the 16-specialty team’s expertise, reinforcing the mission’s significance.

The pro-bono surgeries relieved families of financial burdens, ensuring access to world-class care.

PHEB: Community and medical impact

Penang’s diverse community benefits from PHEB’s healthcare advocacy, particularly for vulnerable children.

The initiative addresses CHD, a pressing health issue, offering hope to families across races.

Malaysia’s medical sector, while advancing, gains from international expertise.

Lingeshwaran noted that paediatric cardiothoracic studies are emerging locally, making SSSH’s involvement a timely opportunity.

The collaboration fosters knowledge exchange, strengthening Penang’s healthcare infrastructure.

The MBP’s success reflects Penang Hospital’s growing capacity to host complex procedures, supported by PHEB’s coordination.

This partnership aligns with national health goals to improve access to specialised care, particularly for underserved communities.

By facilitating pro-bono surgeries, PHEB reduces healthcare disparities, ensuring children receive timely treatment.

The programme’s focus on inclusivity, serving various races, mirrors Penang’s multicultural ethos, fostering unity through shared health priorities.

PHEB encourages community support for future MBP initiatives and invites engagement through local health networks.

Visit Penang Hospital’s website for updates on paediatric care programmes.

The 2nd Miracle Baby Programme, backed by PHEB, marks a triumph in community healthcare.

By fostering international collaboration and prioritising children’s health, PHEB paves the way for a healthier, more connected Penang, inspiring hope and resilience.