Op Starlight III: Armed forces mark milestone with 2,000 patients treated, historic surgery
The armed forces said the Malaysian Field Hospital, which is a joint effort between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry, achieved the patient milestone at exactly 11.30am local time (1.30pm Malaysian time), a month after it began operations following a devastating earthquake in the region.
The 2,000-patient mark, while significant, also reflected the growing trust and reliance of the local community on Malaysia's medical team to provide critical healthcare services amid a crisis.
Meanwhile, field hospital commander Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad said the achievement underscored the efficiency of the field hospital's medical system and the dedication of its personnel.
"This proves the effectiveness of the services we've developed, and the strong commitment shown by our medical team in ensuring the best possible care is delivered," he said.
He also said the hospital had recorded a groundbreaking achievement by performing a complex three-hour reconstructive surgery on a six-month-old baby with cleft lip and palate, the first such operation conducted overseas by the armed forces.
The surgery utilised the mobile operating theatre deployed by the Forward Anaesthesia Surgical Tactical (FAST) team, marking the first time the system was used in a live mission setting.
"This surgery sets a new benchmark for the Royal Medical Corps in handling complex surgical procedures during disaster relief operations.
"It also proves the readiness of our assets and personnel to respond effectively in various emergencies," he said.
The operation was led by plastic surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Dr Muhammad Izzuddin Hamzan, assisted by anaesthetists Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mohd Zaid Abdul Kadir and Lieutenant Colonel Dr Md Ariff Md Yusof.
Also part of the surgical team were medical officer Major Dr Amirul Muttaqin Sham, anaesthesia assistant Sergeant Muhamad Aznan Amerudin, surgical assistant Sergeant Atiqah Rahdiani Jasni, and Corporal Noordiana Aziz.
On April 18, Malaysia dispatched a medical team from the armed forces to Myanmar as part of a humanitarian relief effort under Op Starlight III, following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month.
The 69-member team comprised 16 officers and 53 members from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) from the Malaysian Field Hospital, and an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment.
The team, led by Dr Ahmad Farhan, also brought essential equipment, including a Level Two field hospital, medical and communication kits, technical equipment, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two 18-tonne capacity trucks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Singapore explore GovTech, housing, public sector reform
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore are now exploring strategic cooperation in three main areas – GovTech, public housing and public sector reform – to strengthen public service delivery. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said these were the main areas of collaboration identified during his three-day official working visit to Singapore last Friday. "We want to learn from Singapore. Firstly, in regard to GovTech, as they have already implemented it, while we are in the process of launching our own. "Secondly, their affordable housing through the Singapore Housing Board. And thirdly, we want to learn about reforms in the public service," he said. He was speaking to reporters after launching the Association of Former Students of Mara Junior Science Colleges (Ansara) Sports Carnival 2025 here today. Shamsul Azri said Singapore welcomed the cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries to improve the quality of public service. "Singapore welcomed our proposals… we also had sessions with them to discuss strategic cooperation between the Malaysian government and the Singaporean government," he added. Earlier, in his speech, he urged Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sports and good nutrition. Citing Singapore as an example, he said their average life expectancy is 84 years, compared to about 73 to 74 years in Malaysia. "We must remember that prevention is better than cure. To care is better than to cure," he said. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Tun M: My heart attack led to IJN's creation
KUALA LUMPUR: "My chest has been opened three times. It's quite frightening when your chest is opened and people are 'playing around' with your heart — but Alhamdulillah, I survived." That was how former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recalled a harrowing moment during his heart bypass surgery, which later inspired the establishment of the National Heart Institute (IJN). Speaking at his 100th birthday celebration hosted by IJN today, Dr Mahathir said he never imagined having heart problems, as he had always considered himself to be in good health. However, that changed one night in 1989 when the then 64-year-old attended a dinner and returned home feeling extremely uncomfortable in his chest. "I thought lying down would ease it, but it didn't. I got up — still there. I walked around — still felt a tightness in my chest," he said. Dr Mahathir said after contacting his doctor, he was diagnosed with a heart attack and rushed to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (HKL). "At the hospital, I met Dr Robaayah (renowned cardiologist and IJN's first CEO, Tan Sri Dr Robaayah Zambahari) and other doctors, and they confirmed it was a heart attack. "Not a massive one, but a heart attack nonetheless," he said. At the time, open-heart surgery was the only treatment available, and there was debate over whether he should undergo the procedure in the United States or Kuala Lumpur. "I asked the doctors, could it be done in KL? They said yes. So I said, fine — if it can be done in KL, I should do it here. "I felt I should at least show some confidence in Malaysian doctors," he said, referring to local heart surgeon Tan Sri Dr Yahya Awang. Following the lengthy and successful surgery, the doctors were concerned over the lack of proper facilities for heart surgery at HKL. "They complained they didn't have good facilities. They said we should have a dedicated heart centre," he said. Dr Mahathir recalled visiting a state-of-the-art heart centre in Manila, Philippines, and the idea struck him. "I thought, why not? We should have a heart centre. And of course, at that time, I was the prime minister — and a prime minister has a lot of power. "It was a matter of allocating funds for a new heart centre, and I immediately approved the establishment of a heart institute in KL — and that's how IJN was founded," he said. IJN was then founded in 1992. The institute specialises in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services for both adult and paediatric patients. As the national referral centre for cardiovascular disease, IJN sees new cases referred from all over the country and abroad and follow-up cases at the outpatient clinics. It went through an expansion which was completed in late 2009. Following the expansion, the number of beds dedicated for heart treatment increased to 432, making IJN one of the largest heart centres in the region. In March 2019, pioneer surgeon Yahya announced the takeover of IJN by the Health Ministry from the Finance Ministry. Dr Mahathir, who underwent three heart surgeries in Malaysia — one at HKL and two at IJN — said he takes pride in the capabilities of local doctors, whom he considers on par with international specialists. "I believe our doctors are just as good as anyone else. "My belief is that we can do whatever others can do," he said. Dr Mahathir suffered a heart attack in 1989 when he was prime minister, followed by two more in 2006. A year later, he underwent a quadruple bypass surgery.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Malaysia, Singapore to strengthen ties in govtech, housing and public sector reform
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore are exploring strategic cooperation in three main areas, namely govtech, public housing and public sector reform, to strengthen public service delivery. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said these were the main areas of collaboration identified during his three-day official working visit to Singapore beginning Friday (July 18). "We want to learn from Singapore. Firstly, in regard to govtech, as they have already implemented it, while we are in the process of launching our own. "Secondly, their affordable housing through the Singapore Housing Board. And thirdly, we want to learn about reforms in the public service," he said. He was speaking to reporters after launching the Sports Carnival of the Alumni Association of MRSM Malaysia here on Sunday (July 20). Shamsul Azri said Singapore welcomed the cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries to improve the quality of public service. "Singapore welcomed our proposals… we also had sessions with them to discuss strategic cooperation between the Malaysian government and the Singaporean government," he added. Earlier, in his speech, he urged Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sports and good nutrition. Citing Singapore as an example, he said their average life expectancy is 84 years, compared to about 73 to 74 years in Malaysia. "We must remember that prevention is better than cure. To care is better than to cure," he said. – Bernama
