PETALING JAYA: Dr Thomas Francis is the “Lone Ranger of Sabah”. Dr Thomas is the head of department of cardiothoracic surgery at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II in Kota Kinabalu and is also the state head of cardiothoracic services. He is one of only 13 cardiothoracic surgeons serving in the Health Ministry’s hospitals nationwide and receives patients from all over Sabah. “Alongside cardiology services, cardiothoracic surgery also has significant potential, to provide timely and comprehensive care to definitive surgical care for heart and lung conditions. In 2024, a shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons in the country left some 1,500 heart and lung disease patients in government hospitals in dire straits.

Source: The Star March 28, 2026 06:51 UTC