SARIKEI: Ten new dialysis machines have been approved for the Sarikei Hospital to increase treatment capacity and improve access to dialysis services for patients here.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the additional facilities were necessary as some patients previously had to travel to Sibu for treatment due to limited dialysis capacity in Sarikei.
“The application for an additional 10 dialysis machines at Sarikei Hospital has been approved, and the facilities will be placed at the hospital,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 programme Sarikei Division here recently.
Len said the additional facilities are expected to benefit residents from Kuala Rajang, Jerijeh, Belawai, Matu and Daro, which have travel links to Sarikei.
“If dialysis facilities are expanded in Sarikei, they can receive treatment here, and for some areas, the journey would take only about 30 to 40 minutes,” he said.
He added that providing dialysis services closer to patients would reduce travel time and costs for patients and their families, while also reducing their dependence on Sibu for treatment.
The additional machines are expected to further strengthen healthcare services in the Sarikei Division by providing the local community and residents from surrounding areas with closer access to dialysis treatment.
