In 2003, I underwent a heart bypass surgery (CABG) at Lam Wah Ee charity hospital in Penang due to severe chest pain.
I went on to seek treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) from 2009 until July 2, 2024, when I was prematurely discharged from IJN, even though I was diagnosed with more blockage and chest pain.
A month earlier, due to my chest pain, I was asked to go for a nuclear technetium scan by IJN. The report showed a severe block of my artery (the reason for my chest pain). I was supposed to go for immediate counter treatment (angioplasty/ angiogram).
On July 2, upon reviewing my report, consultant IJN specialist cardiologist Dr Ahmad Farhan Abdul Hamid explained the severity of my health condition and said I needed to immediately get a stent.
However, he mentioned that he was extremely sorry that IJN could not proceed any further. I was listed to be discharged immediately from IJN and referred to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) Ipoh to continue my follow-up.
I was made to understand by IJN that the Ministry of Health (MOH) wants to cut cost by discharging stable patients. So was I considered stable, with recurring chest pain and a known blocked artery to the heart?
I feel it is not fair on MOH’s part to discharge patients based on quotas or merely on incurred patient treatment cost.
Two weeks ago, I registered at Ipoh General Hospital and was given an appointment on September 25, 2024. During this interim period, if I were to develop complications, where would I be referred to – IJN that has discharged me, or Ipoh GH that has yet to treat me? My former IJN patient number is MRN 237303.
It appears that the MOH may just be looking at patient cost. I’m unsure if the MOH verifies or audits all treatment costs in each case for patients to verify the bill incurred. As far as I know, IJN charges exorbitantly high for tests, treatment, consultation, and drugs.
It is also a known fact that VIPs with political links or strong connections are considered loyal customers of IJN, compared to an ordinary person like me. (I am sorry for my rather harsh tone due to my utter frustration as a real and suffering patient).
Now that I have been referred to a government hospital, I’m not sure if I will be given the same or equivalent medication to keep me alive longer.
My wife is a retired government teacher, while I am a retired private employee. We are both aged over 60. There are hundreds of patients like me in the same predicament, not knowing where to turn to.
S. Kunasegaran lives in Taiping, Perak.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
