University Malaya Medical Centre Launches Larian Kardio & Health Awareness Fair to Raise RM500,000 for Needy Heart Patients
Kuala Lumpur, July 27, 2007 – University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), the premier teaching hospital in the country, launched Larian Kardio, a 5.5km charity run, with the aim of raising RM500,000 for needy heart patients, here today.
The 5.5km charity run and accompanying health awareness fair will be held on September 2, 2007 on the grounds of University Malaya campus. The race is open to the public and to corporate teams.
According to Prof Dr. Wan Azman bin Wan Ahmad, Head of the Cardiology Unit, the unit has set up the Tabung Larian Kardio (Larian Kardio Fund) specifically to raise funds for underprivileged heart patients who need treatment urgently.
Prof Dr. Wan Azman emphasised that heart disease is on the rise in Malaysia, although innovations in cardiology treatment is prolonging lives.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that heart disease has been the number one killer in Malaysia since 1970. Last year 40,000 patients died of heart disease in public hospitals alone, representing 15.5% of total deaths.
“The situation is serious, and the profile of heart patients is changing. Previously, heart disease was mainly seen in men in their 50s and women in their 60s, but now patients are presenting with the disease in their late 30s and early 40s. These are the peak productive years, when they are the main providers for their families. The effect of heart disease on the financial and emotional well-being of families can be considerable,” Prof Dr. Wan Azman said.
Last year UMMC’s Cardiology Unit received 3661 admission into its cardiac and coronary care unit, and performed 1671 coronary angiograms, 805 balloon angioplasties and 40 device implants – pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The number of underprivileged patients, referred by the Cardiology Unit to the welfare department for subsidised treatment was 171.
Chairman of Larian Kardio and Health Awareness Fair 2007, Associate Prof Dr. Haizal Haron Kamar said that the Larian Kardio and Health Awareness Fair 2007 had the dual objective of raising funds and raising awareness on cardiovascular disease. Corporate organisations can participate in the team event at RM5,000 per team of 5 members. All contributions are tax exempted.
For the public, registration fees are RM15 while students can participate for RM10. Cash prizes of RM500, RM300 and RM200 are offered to the three participants with the fastest time while the 10 runners with the fastest time in each of 6 categories will receive attractive product hampers. More than 2,000 people are expected to run.
“We appeal to corporations and the public to participate in Larian Kardio and to attend the health awareness fair. Despite on-going programmes to raise awareness of heart health, the number of patients that we see keeps increasing. Malaysians need to realise that exercising regularly, eating a healthy, balanced diet and quitting smoking, can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease,” he said.
“Response thus far has been encouraging but we would like to see more members of the public and corporations participating, as their contribution can make a huge difference to patients with heart disease.”
Approximately 10,000 people are expected to throng the health awareness fair.
The health fair will include a comprehensive exhibition on cardiovascular disease, free public health screening, primer and hands-on demo on cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid, dietetic (nutritionist) services and exhibition, blood donation drive, an introduction to and demonstration of fitness activities among others.
Some of Malaysia’s top entertainers will be performing to show their support for the event including Zainal Abidin, Anuar Zain and Farah.
To download a registration form or for more information log on to www.ummc.edu.my or contact the Larian Kardio and Health Awareness Fair 2007 Secretariat at 603.8075.6000.
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