IJN: NATIONAL HEART INSTITUTE:
The IJN is a one stop centre for comprehensive cardiac services ranging from simple surgery to transplants.

Services - this list is not comprehensive:
•    Angiogram and Angioplasty procedures via radial artery
•    Implantation of AICSs
•    Minimally invasive surgeries
•    Stent implantations
•    Endoscopic vein harvesting
•    Off-pump surgery
•    Bypass surgery on “awake” patients
•    Implantation of mechanical heart assist device readily available at the IJN
•    Heart Transplants
•    Open heart and closed heart surgeries
•    Bone marrow stem cell transplant for severe ischemic heart disease
•    Along with inpatient and outpatient treatments and complete rehabilitation programs, including physical, emotional and diet programs
•    ESP (Executive Screening Program) This process goes beyond the normal medical examination taking you through tailor-made tests and medical screening to determine your state of health, especially your heart. The doctor will discuss your results the same day and comprehensive report will be mailed to you.

Day 1:
We flew out on Malaysian Airlines from LAX, a long tedious flight of 14 ½ hours especially as we had head winds averaging 337 KM’s per hour, slowing us up considerably. However, the seats were spacious with back of the seat Video and Games and the service was excellent. It was night all the way so most people slept as much as they could. This is when I wish I could sleep on a plane. We had a stop off in TAIPEI for 1 ½ hours before continuing the last 4 plus hours to Kuala Lumpur.

On arrival we transferred to the Traders Hotel in downtown Kuala Lumpur. There are several things you notice right away, the country is clean, spotless, the drive from the airport to downtown Kuala is beautiful. Flowers and floral bushes along all the medians and a wide variety of beautiful buildings to view. They drive like the British on the right, and English is widely spoken, even the signage is in English, so it is easy to get around.

The Traders Hotel is a business Hotel belonging to the Shang Ri La Group, new and stunning with Crystal, Fountains and Marble everywhere. We received a warm welcome reception along with welcome drinks and hors d oeuvres. Our rooms where overlooking a park and the famous PetronasTowers making for a spectacular view especially with the lights on at night. http://www.tradershotels.com

Later that evening we visited “the Eye on Malaysia” at Taski Titiwangsa Lake, similar to the big wheel in London this is a large ferris wheel affording wonderful views of the city. We went onto the Saloma Bistro & Theatre Restaurant for a buffet dinner and local folk show. There were plenty of choices, chicken and fish are regular staples along with rice. I tend to be a meat and potatoes fan, so the food wasn’t my favorite thing, but if you like Asian food there were lots of choices and the rest of the group loved it all. The show was enjoyable, with dances from various parts of Malaysia.

Day 2:
Next morning after a great buffet breakfast at the Hotel (breakfasts were my favorite meal) we left for the National Heart Institute. We attended a presentation and then toured the whole facility. The Hospital is top of the line, clean as a whistle, the latest equipment, International certified Doctors and Specialists, and Nurses that are obviously dedicated to their work. http://www.ijn.com.my

Day 3:
After breakfast we checked out of the Traders and headed to Subang Jaya Medical Center.

Day 4:
An early breakfast and check out from the Hotel before heading to the airport for our transfer to Penang. The night before Max our driver had driven up to Penang with our heavy luggage and transferred it to the Hotel. He was waiting to pick us up on arrival. We proceeded to do some sightseeing visiting a Batik Factory, the Tropical Spice Garden, the Watchaiyamankalaran and Burmese temple, and a two Buddhist Temples before taking lunch at a local café and checking into the Park Royal Hotel. A good standard chain Hotel.  Enroute we passed the area where the tsunami has hit Penang. http://www.grandplaza.penang.parkroyalhotels.com

Personally I was not really aware that Malaysia had been caught up in the Tsunami – but Penang did take a severe toll. I guess one reason we haven’t really heard too much about it is that the Malaysian Government stepped in right away building temporary long houses sectioned into apartments while they built a brand new apartment complex for the victims. The apartment complex overlooks the sea and is almost ready for occupancy. We asked how much people would have to pay either in rent or payments for the units and how long they were allowed to stay in them. We were told they were completely free of charge to the victims. Amazing. Why is it we always hear the negative and never these kind of stories that warm the heart to what a Government can do if they put their mind to it.

After a short break we headed back into the city centre and took a Trishaw ride around Fort Cornwallis and the city. (Bicycles with seats on the front) Afterwards we spent some time at a local market shopping. On our return to the Hotel the others went to a local restaurant “the ship” which they really enjoyed. I was under the weather with an allergy the air conditioning affecting my throat and sinuses so I had an early night.

Day 5:
After an early breakfast at the Hotel (another good buffet) we departed for Penang Adventist Hospital for a presentation and site inspection. This Hospital has an American Administrator and is the sister Hospital to the Loma Linda in California.

The mission of the National Heart Institute (IJN) is to provide the best quality in cardiovascular and thoracic care, and to lead the way in research, development and training, and to continuously build their people.

They have a competent team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, paramedic and full support staff, with up-to-date equipment to handle emergencies and even the most complicated cases including heart transplants. They collaborate with renowned medical centres in the UK, Germany and India.

Day 6.
This morning after breakfast we depart for the airport for our transfer back to Kuala Lumpur. On our arrival Max is waiting for us and we drive about 2 hours to Melaka were we have lunch at Peranakan a Chinese style local restaurant.

We check into the Hotel Puri Melaka a small renovated Historic Hotel and then leave right away for a Heritage/City Tour. This city is a historic city with lots of charm and history, we visit BaBa & Nuonya and Cheng Ho Museum, Dutch Square, the Queen Victoria Fountain, the Clock Tower, St Paul’s Hill before returning to the Hotel for Dinner.

For a Historic Hotel the Hotel is great for those who enjoy more of a B&B, guest house atmosphere. The Hotel has charm and character, with an inside open courtyard restaurant and the rooms have all the latest facilities re TV and internet etc. but certainly not the same as the larger Hotels. I would recommend more for individuals than for groups.

Day 7.
After breakfast at the Hotel we departed for Pantai Ayer Keroh Hospital. http://www.pantai.com.my  The Pantai is a group of 8 Hospitals across Malaysia.

Day 8:
We had breakfast at the Hotel before heading to the airport and our trip home after what would be a most memorable and eye-opening trip.


Facilities:
•    Located in Kuala Lumpur in sprawling grounds, the Hospital has 8 general wards, with rooms ranging from Suites, single to 6 bedded rooms. All rooms have TV, Telephone, ensuite bathrooms and a nurse call system. Each ward is equipped with an isolation ward.
•    18 bedded intensive card unit
•    12 bedded coronary care unit
•    10 bedded Paediatric Intensive care unit
•    24 hour Emergency Department with 6 beds for monitoring unstable units
•    5 operating theatres
•    11 bedded daycare ward for patients where patients need only stay for a few hours
•    Continuous reinvestment to upgrade the facilities and equipment

Patient Care:
•    Dedicated to providing the best quality in cardiovascular and cardiothoracic care
•    Ensuring all client requirements are fulfilled and exceeded
•    Internal and external surveys as part of “Continuous improvement program”
•    Continually improving the quality of service benchmarking against the (KPI) Key Performance Indicators

Equipment and Technology:
•    Continuous investment in the latest technology for information management systems, quality processes, financial management, R & D, human resource development, customer service and IT governance and security.
•    State-of-the-art technology in a ECLS (Extracorporeal Life Support) system used to treat patients suffering from congenital heart disease
•    Up to date medical equipment enabling IJN to deliver and maintain peak performance and efficient services, with an emphasis on staff training to ensure staff are skilled in using the available technology to provide optimal care for patients.
•    A track record as a centre for cardiac research, clinical trials and training

The Medical Team:
A staff of about 1,000 and 85 qualified cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, paediatric cardiologists, and anaesthetists. Recognized as experts in their field members of the team have spoken at world congresses, and scientific meetings around the world.

•    Staff qualified and trained in renowned medical centres from around the world.

The IJN has a foundation to support the underprivileged and needy patients in Malaysia and to date all their heart transplants have been sponsored.

During our visit we met with a young 16 year old Indonesian girl and her mother. The young teen had a mechanical heart machine and was awaiting a heart transplant. So far she had been waiting 5 months. Although we couldn’t speak the language this young lady was an inspiration to us all with her bright demeanor and her obvious love of life, we all hope and pray she gets the necessary transplant to save her young life.

After lunch at the IJN we proceeded to the Ampang Puteri Medical Center (KPJ) in Kuala Lumpur, another top of the line facility. http://www.apsh.kpjhealth.com.my/
They hosted a presentation and tour of the facility. Again clean, equipped with the latest machines and technology and well certified Doctors.

"This is to meet our aim to promote health tourism in the country," said Najib. Tourists applying for the health visa must have certain documents like letters from the hospitals treating them.