MIRI: The dialysis capacity at Miri Hospital was bolstered with the handover of a new dialysis machine amid rising demand for kidney failure treatment.
The contribution was made by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) in collaboration with Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (SABATI).
Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the additional machine was critical as haemodialysis patients require treatment every other day, with each session lasting about four hours, placing sustained pressure on existing facilities.
“Dialysis centres are, in essence, life-saving facilities. Regardless of a patient’s financial background, the standard of treatment and medication provided is the same, without distinction,” he said at the handover ceremony on Saturday.
Lee, who is also Transport Minister, said a single dialysis machine could serve up to six patients on a rotational basis.
He also highlighted the socio-economic realities faced by many patients, noting that a large proportion of dialysis recipients came from low-income households and were burdened with lifelong treatment costs.
While the official dialysis fee is maintained at RM150 per session, he acknowledged that some patients are unable to afford the full amount.
“There are patients who can only pay RM50 per session, and we accept that. Even for those who are extremely poor and can only afford RM10, treatment is still provided. Our priority is to help and to save lives,” he said.
Lee called for continued support from the public and corporate sector to ensure dialysis services remain accessible, enabling patients to lead normal lives, remain productive, and continue supporting their families and communities.
He described the contribution by SEB, in partnership with SABATI, as a tangible example of effective collaboration between the corporate sector and welfare organisations in addressing critical healthcare needs.
