SHAH ALAM: The National Heart Institute (IJN) Foundation Charity Golf Challenge 2019 raised RM683,649 in aid of less-fortunate heart patients in need of cardiovascular surgery or treatment.
The fundraising tournament, which enters its 10th year, was made possible by more than 15 sponsors who contributed in cash and kind, as well as monetary donations from golfers.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who is the patron of the IJN Foundation Charity Golf Challenge, handed over the contributions to IJN Foundation chairman Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong today.
The handing over ceremony took place after the challenge concluded at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.
IJN Foundation Charity Golf Challenge 2019 organising chairman, Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih said the challenge was special this time around as it also coincided with the 62nd Merdeka Day celebrations.
He said the challenge portrayed the true Malaysian spirit where golfers and non-golfers came together to help those in need.
Zainal added that the generous contribution will ensure that more lives could be saved through the treatment of needy patients with critical heart disease at IJN.
About RM4.5 million is paid out annually to support the Needy Patients Programme.
“If they do not get financial support, they will not be able to get treatment and consequently, they may most likely die from the heart disease they suffer.
“An example of a recipient would be a lorry driver in his 50s who suffers from heart problems. He does not have much money to get treatment and he has an employer who would not or could not pay for his treatment.
“If he dies because he was not treated, the four or five children and spouse he leaves behind would be in dire straits, financially and physically.
“This is what your act of charity has helped to alleviate. You have helped save a life,” said Zainal.
Apart from raising funds for heart patients, the IJN Foundation which was set up in 1995, is also the main supporter of the ongoing research done by IJN’s cardiovascular diseases specialists.
Last year, the foundation assisted the treatment and surgery cost of 267 patients, of which 109 were adult patients and 158 were paediatric patients.
It also disbursed RM4.6 million under its Patient Assistance Programme.