USM, KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 10 March 2026 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, HPUSM) remains committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services based on expertise.

As the main referral centre in the East Coast, HPUSM offers a wide range of heart treatments, including pediatric cardiology and complex congenital heart surgeries, giving hope to children patients to recover and live healthy lives like other children.

Recognising the financial challenges faced by families, especially from the B40 group, USM through HPUSM has launched the ‘Healing 100 Hearts’ 2026 Campaign to help 100 children in need of congenital heart disease treatment.

The campaign helps ease families’ financial burden and ensures they can get quality treatment without money being a barrier.

According to the Director of the Health Campus, USM, Professor Dato’ Dr. Shaiful Bahari Ismail, as a research university built on sustainability and global well-being, USM is not only an academic and research institution but also carries a social responsibility to contribute directly to community welfare.

“The ‘University for Society’ approach underpins every effort we make, ensuring that the university’s knowledge and expertise bring real impact to the community.

The ‘Healing 100 Hearts’ 2026 Campaign is more than a fundraising initiative—it reflects the university’s commitment to stand with society, especially vulnerable groups needing critical health intervention.

It embodies empathy, solidarity, and collective responsibility to ensure no one is left behind from receiving proper treatment,” he said, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor at the launch.

Shaiful Bahari added that this initiative is a strategic collaboration between USM, the Malaysian Congenital Heart Foundation (YJKM), and corporate partners, in line with the university’s commitment to social responsibility and community well-being.

YJKM is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping patients with congenital heart defects (CHD), especially from low-income families.

In 2024, YJKM and USM signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to expand access to congenital heart treatment in the East Coast. Through this agreement, YJKM sponsors treatment costs up to RM3,000 per eligible case.

In Kelantan alone, it is estimated that 250–300 babies are born each year with congenital heart defects, and about two-thirds require either surgical or medical treatment.

HPUSM is the only hospital in the East Coast that provides congenital heart surgery, making it a vital institution for treating this condition.

Through the ‘Healing 100 Hearts’ 2026 Campaign, YJKM aims to raise funds to help 100 CHD patients, reduce treatment costs for B40 families, and speed up access to life-saving critical care.

Patients identified by HPUSM will go through a transparent and systematic evaluation process before receiving assistance.

Approved funds will be channelled directly to the hospital to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in financial management.

Eligibility covers patients receiving treatment at HPUSM whose household income is below RM3,000 per month, classified under the B40 category in Kelantan.

The campaign is not just about fundraising—it is a symbol of care and solidarity to ensure every child born with congenital heart disease has the chance to live a healthier, brighter, and more meaningful life.

Also present at the launch were YJKM CEO, Eric Tan Chin Zhia; HPUSM Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani @ Ab Ghani; YJKM Trustee, Lee Geok Hua; YJKM COO, Dr. Hanis Syahira Hamdan; and HPUSM Deputy Director (Clinical) and Chair of the Campaign Launch Committee, Professor Dr. Zaidi Zakaria.

Original Text: Nik Sheila Erini Che Mat Kamel/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Abdul Hasib Abdul Rahman