MALAYSIA IS FIRST ACC INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- April 17 marks a historic day for
Malaysian cardio-specialists as the National Heart Association of Malaysia
(NHAM) was recognised as the first international chapter of the American College
of Cardiology (ACC).

The association received this recognition during the 13th Scientific Meeting
of the National Heart Association of Malaysia here.

NHAM president Prof Dr Sim Hui Kian, who accepted the Chapter Membership
from ACC president Dr Alfred Bove told reporters the recognition would go far
in ensuring greater cooperation and networking with the august American
organisation.

"We are the first country outside the United States to receive this
recognition from ACC. This will add credibility to Malaysian cardiology and
cardio-services and open doors for greater people-to-people collaboration.

"For instance, our doctors can now spend about two weeks in an American
hospital to expand their knowledge on cardio-services and treatment," he said.

Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican noted that for
Malaysia to be recognised on a global scale, such networking and benchmarking
was important as it gave the nation's standard of cardio-services due
recognition.

"With such recognition, other international medical associations will no
longer wonder if our standards are up to par.

"As the very first international ACC chapter to be recognised, this is
certainly an honour and proves that our medical practitioners and infrastructure
are the equivalent of the very best," said Dr Ismail.

-- BERNAMA