FIRE AND RESCUE DEPT CONDUCTS MERCY FLIGHT TO FACILITATE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

KLUANG, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), through its air unit, conducted a mercy flight for organ transfer involving a kidney donation here, today.

Johor JBPM Fire and Rescue Operations assistant director Senior Fire Superintendent I Muhammad Tarmizi Md Jaafar said the mission was undertaken following a request from the National Transplant Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), which received the donated organ from the Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital (HEBHK) in Kluang.

He said JBPM deployed its air assets to transport the organ retrieval team along with medical equipment from the pick-up location at SMK Jalan Kota Tinggi, Kluang, to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL-MIAT) in Subang.

“The operation utilised a Mi-17 helicopter with a crew of nine, led by Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Faizal Abd Latif, along with three medical personnel and approximately 40 kilogrammes (kg) of equipment.

“The helicopter landed at the SMK Jalan Kota Tinggi field at noon before departing for the next destination. This mission was categorised as a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation, requiring swift action and close coordination among agencies to ensure the donated organ remains in optimal condition for transplantation to the recipient,” he said in a statement today.

Muhammad Tarmizi said the urgency of the mission was critical as the organ needed to be transferred within a short period to maintain its function and quality before transplantation.

“The close cooperation between the Health Ministry and JBPM clearly reflects the commitment and efficiency of government agencies in saving lives through organ donation efforts,” he said.

-- BERNAMA