(BIVN) – A bill that will greatly improve cardiac care in East Hawaiʻi is moving forward in the State Legislature.

According to the description of House Bill 527, the measure “appropriates funds to the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to establish a full-time catheterization laboratory, including the employment of staff, at the Hilo medical center in the Hawaii health systems corporation east Hawaii region.”

The bill was heard by the House Committee on Health on Tuesday, January 29. Chair John Mizuno and the committee recommended that the measure be passed, with amendments.

A number of testimonies submitted by hospital supporters made the same statement: “Hilo Medical Center is well positioned to provide interventional cardiac care as it already has available cardiac imaging equipment and software, as well as a cardiology clinic that has space for three cardiologists. The hospital’s cardiology program is on track to meeting its goal by the end of 2019 to provide interventional cardiology that will save lives and improve the quality of life for cardiac patients. The funding received in the 2018 legislative session was very much appreciated as it was crucial in the hospital’s success in recruiting interventional cardiologists. Funding in this second phase is essential for Hilo Medical Center to continue the momentum in advancing heart attack care.”

“For better or worse, over the past few years, l have developed an ongoing and personal relationship with HMC and a number of other medical institutions,” wrote Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim in support of the bill. “HMC has given me excellent service, and Hawai‘i should be very pleased with the quality of care it provides. However, it could do even more if more resources were available, and better cardiac care has been identified as a priority.”