The National Heart Institute (IJN) has emerged as the winner of the Star Media Group’s inaugural Star Sterling Service Award.

IJN is recognised for its excellence in both clinical and public service.

“We think very highly of IJN based on the criteria that judges have gone through. We are truly pleased and honoured to present this award to the institution,” said Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

He later presented the award to IJN CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub at the institute here yesterday.

The award aims to recognise public service organisations which have played a major role in helping surrounding communities as well as contributed significantly to the public.

Dr Mohd Azhari said that to be awarded by the media is a great honour.

“For us, to come on top is a great honour and reflects very well what we intend to do at IJN,” he added.

Its mandate as a Government-owned healthcare institute was to provide excellent services and clinical care for all Malaysians, said Dr Mohd Azhari, adding that the award coincided well with IJN’s 25th anniversary.

“The award is an added honour to us for the services that we have rendered to the public and the innovations that we have introduced at an affordable rate for all walks of life.

“Now, IJN has also attracted foreign patients and medical tourists,” he said.

The winner was selected by a panel of judges comprising Wong; The Star columnist and former Media Prima chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Sin Chew Daily editorial director Datuk Pook Ah Lek as well as Telekom Malaysia Berhad former director of major business and government Datuk Joseph M. Rajaratnam.

Johan said IJN had received many accolades before but this award is different as it was a recognition from members of the media.

“The committee involved in giving this award are people who have been in the media for a long time. I think the decision was unanimous.

“IJN has set a very high standard as a public service institution for healthcare and they have set up a totem pole of excellence,” he said.

The award also came with a cheque of RM10,000 for IJN’s staff welfare and recreation club.

The Star Sterling Service Award is a Star Media Group initiative supported by its charitable arm Star Foundation.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by Fatimah Zainal

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