On 22nd November 2025, the Level 1 lobby of Northern Heart Hospital Penang was transformed for the “Saving Legs, Saving Lives” event into a lively, full-house gathering, welcoming over 150 eager attendees. From as early as 8:00am, the space was filled with people ready to join health screenings, participate in interactive activities, and listen to expert sharing sessions. Reflecting the strong local value placed on early detection, the health screening counters were consistently busy from 8:00am until the end of the event. Participants spent their Saturday morning and afternoon learning how to prevent diabetic complications, protect their limbs, and take charge of their health.
A clear sign of the enthusiasm on the ground was the Lucky Blind Card activity. All cards were redeemed within just 90 minutes, and a special congratulations goes to the lady who drew the Grand Prize: a Vascular Screening Package worth RM998. The successful day concluded with attendees having a chance to win various prizes and screening vouchers.
We are also grateful to our event partners who added tremendous value to the experience: Boston Scientific, City Medic, ecoBrown’s, ISEC, Nutren, Novo Nordisk, Podiatric Footcare Centre, Seven Star Gym, Solventum, TAGS, Viatris, and Yin’s Sourdough. From health education to product showcases, sampling booths, wound-care insights, and nutrition support, their presence helped create a richer, more interactive environment for our attendees.
A Golden Moment: Official Launch of the Diabetic Limb Salvage Centre
As the crowd filled the lobby, we were honoured by the arrival of YB Lim Siew Khim, Penang State EXCO for Social Development and Non-Islamic Affairs, whose presence added meaning to the day. YB Lim toured the booths, engaging with attendees, clinicians, and the multidisciplinary team behind our new centre. Her visit set a hopeful tone for what would become a powerful, symbolic launch.
The main ceremony began shortly after with opening remarks. Our distinguished guests were then invited forward for the official launch: YB Lim Siew Khim; Dr. Tan Chiang Soo, Person-in-Charge of Northern Heart Hospital Penang; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edward Choke, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Founder of Diabetic Limb Salvage Centre. Witnessed by Ms. Kelen Leong, CEO, and Ms. Katrina Felix, General Manager, the guests together poured golden sand onto the engraved words “Limb Salvage.”
This elegant gesture symbolised a new commitment to save more limbs, restore mobility, and help patients walk confidently again. The moment officially marked the opening of the Diabetic Limb Salvage Centre.
Powerful Sharing Sessions That Made an Impact
After the launch, attendees were treated to a series of deeply educational and emotional sharing sessions that helped bring the centre’s mission to life.
- Multidisciplinary Approach by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edward Choke
Professor Dr. Edward Choke explained how the centre integrates vascular care, diabetes and wound management, holistic care including kidney and heart optimisation, rehabilitation, dietary and lifestyle coaching. His message was clear: limb loss is preventable when the right team intervenes at the right time.
- A Daughter’s Heartfelt Testimony
One of the most touching moments of the day came from a daughter who shared her mother’s limb-salvage journey.
From fear and confusion…to discovering the importance of a vascular surgeon…to finally finding hope after meeting Dr. Edward Choke at Northern Heart Hospital Penang, her story moved the entire crowd. It was a raw, honest reminder that behind every limb saved is a family fighting for a second chance.
- Eat Well to Heal Well by Nutrition Consultation
Our dietitian consultants delivered a practical, eye-opening session on nutrition optimisation during the limb-salvage journey. They shared what to eat, what to avoid, and how the right diet strengthens wound healing and improves outcomes for diabetic patients.
- Solventum’s Session: The Role of NPWT in Wound Healing
Our medical partner Solventum, shared valuable insights into the role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in diabetic wound recovery, helping participants understand how modern technology supports limb preservation.
More Winners: Lucky Draw for Free ABPI Screening
Right after Solventum’s session, we held the final highlight of the programme, the Lucky Draw, where seven lucky attendees walked away with Free Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Screening Vouchers. ABPI is a crucial test that detects peripheral arterial disease, one of the major causes of limb-threatening complications.
For many, this prize could be the first step toward early detection and timely treatment.
A Meaningful Launch, A Stronger Mission Ahead
The Diabetic Limb Salvage Centre launch concluded with a full house, a committed crowd, and an overwhelming sense of purpose.
At Northern Heart Hospital Penang, Restoring Rhythm of Life is not just a tagline, it is our daily commitment. As the only purpose-built cardiac and vascular specialist hospital in the Northern Region, we remain dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and offering advanced vascular care.
Planning your year-end health checks before the holidays? Explore our Heart Wellness Packages.
More to Come in 2026
The “Saving Legs, Saving Lives” launch is just the beginning. In 2026, Northern Heart Hospital Penang will continue to bring more community events, health screenings, and educational programmes to the public.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates, and be part of our ongoing journey to save legs, save lives, and restore the rhythm of living well.