The Miracle Baby Programme (MBP) is a meaningful initiative founded by UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik, in collaboration with Penang General Hospital and the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital (SSSSH) in India, which is hospital that is well known in congenital heart surgery. This exceptional cross-nation collaboration symbolize as a recognizable example of what cross-border compassion and healthcare excellence can achieve.
This meaningful collaboration was established with one noble mission, which is aiming to help babies and children in Malaysia with congenital heart disease (CHD) that need corrective surgery. The inaugural of the first session of MBP in 2022 treated 18 babies and children from across the nationwide, each of whom received a renewed chance at life. Without a doubt, the collaboration and the launching of MBP is truly remarkable for the babies and children who had CHD.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 live births. With over 500,000 births recorded annually in Malaysia, it is estimated that 4,000 to 5,000 babies are born with CHD each year, and 2,000 to 3,000 of these children will require surgical intervention.
Unfortunately, some of the babies and children may not have the opportunity to go for the surgical intervention due to a shortage of specialists in Malaysia and the high cost of treatment overseas, which limiting the number of surgeries that can be performed locally. Tragically, some children lose their lives while waiting for treatment.
Thus, the Miracle Baby Programme was established to address these urgent gaps by offering corrective heart surgeries at minimal cost, while simultaneously providing training and empowering local medical professionals. Having the privilege of a team of seasoned and professional surgeons, anesthesiologists, paediatricians and cardiac specialists from SSSSH, MBP not only delivers the quality care to children in need by carrying out the necessary surgical intervention but also exchanges critical skills and expertise to Malaysian healthcare workers.
The second session of the Miracle Baby Programme will be held on 24 April 2025, at the Auditorium in Daycare Complex, located in Penang General Hospital. The inauguration of the second session’s launching will be graced by Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Tuanku Zara Salim, alongside with YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Sak Cheng Lum, Chairman of UTAR Education Foundation, His Excellency Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia and YB Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, the Minister of Health Malaysia.
This second session is expected to benefit at least 15 or more babies and children, offering them access to the treatment or surgical intervention that could otherwise be out of reach. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of compassion, equity, and global cooperation in healthcare.
Thus, the Miracle Baby Programme was established to address these urgent gaps by offering corrective heart surgeries at minimal cost, while simultaneously providing training and empowering local medical professionals. Having the privilege of a team of seasoned and professional surgeons, anesthesiologists, paediatricians and cardiac specialists from SSSSH, MBP not only delivers the quality care to children in need by carrying out the necessary surgical intervention but also exchanges critical skills and expertise to Malaysian healthcare workers.
Every heartbeat matter, and thus, the Miracle Baby Programme is more than just a collaboration to help out those children who experiencing CHD. The collaboration also symbolizes hope and encouragement to the community to appreciate every single moment.