Institut Jantung Negara was honoured with the Innovation Award - Healthcare win at the Malaysia National Business Awards 2024

The facility pioneers the future of heart care in Malaysia.

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), Malaysia's premier heart specialist facility, has made an indelible mark on the global healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of cardiovascular and thoracic care. As the sole specialist centre in Malaysia dedicated to heart health, IJN combines specialized diagnostic and therapeutic services with comprehensive care for related diseases, housing 461 beds, 7 invasive cardiac laboratories, 9 operating rooms, and 67 consultation clinics. 

This unparalleled facility was conceived by Malaysia’s then Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, following his heart attack in 1989, with the vision of providing world-class heart care accessible to all Malaysians. Since its establishment in 1992, IJN has consistently been at the forefront of cardiovascular care innovation in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.

IJN’s reputation as a pioneer is underscored by a series of clinical firsts in Malaysia and the world. Notably, it was the first to perform a heart transplant in the country in 1997 and proceeded to achieve milestones with the nation's first lung and double lung transplants in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In 2014, IJN led the world in human implants of the VenTouch Ventricular Reshaping Device, targeting the root cause of heart ventricle injury and enlargement.

Even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, IJN continued to break new ground with revolutionary procedures. In 2021, the centre conducted Asia's first Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) procedure with CO2 angiogram and introduced the groundbreaking bio-prosthetic Tricvalve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System. Moreover, in 2023, IJN marked several firsts in Malaysia, including the use of the Pulsecath iVAC 2L for heart failure patients, the TriClip procedure for leaky heart valves, and the implantation of the latest Transcatheter Aortic Valve (TAVI) – Navitor.

IJN's Paediatric and Congenital Heart Centre (PCHC), established in 2012, exemplifies its commitment to comprehensive care, providing a one-stop solution for paediatric and congenital heart patients from infancy to adulthood. As Malaysia’s only centre offering comprehensive services for paediatric heart rhythm problems, PCHC stands as the preferred referral centre for complex heart surgeries in children.

True to its pioneering spirit, IJN adopts an integrated approach to cardiovascular and thoracic care, focusing on the overall well-being of patients beyond the heart alone. This holistic perspective is evident in the diverse range of consultation clinics available, spanning cardiology, cardiothoracic, and paediatric cardiology, and including services for respiratory issues, diabetes, and smoking cessation.

As Malaysia’s preeminent heart specialist centre, IJN is committed to continuing its legacy as a pioneer of high-quality, clinically proven cardiovascular care that is accessible to all. By relentlessly pursuing the latest in care and treatment, IJN not only cements its status as a beacon of innovation in healthcare but also ensures the well-being of countless patients, now and in the future. The centre’s unwavering dedication to advancing heart health, coupled with its comprehensive approach to patient care, positions it as a deserving winner of the Innovation Award - Healthcare category at the Malaysia National Business Awards 2024.

The Malaysia National Business Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional contributions to the local business landscape in Malaysia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].