KUCHING: The Sarawak government continues to provide assistance to kidney patients, regardless of whether they seek treatment at government hospitals, private hospitals, or non-governmental organisation (NGO) dialysis centres.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah stated that due to limited capacity at government dialysis centres, some patients have been transferred to NGO or private dialysis units.
“Government hospitals and clinics are unable to accommodate the increasing number of dialysis patients, so newly diagnosed patients must seek treatment in privately managed units or those run by NGOs.
“These patients have to bear the cost of dialysis, with each session costing RM200 or more. This financial strain is what the Sarawak government aims to ease through its assistance initiatives,” she said.
Fatimah made these remarks during a visit to the Angkasa Haemodialysis Centre at Jalan Depo here, today.
She revealed that the Sarawak government is currently assisting 201 kidney patients.
“We carried forward 184 existing patients into this year and have added 17 new ones,” she said.
She stressed that dialysis treatment imposes a significant financial burden, especially on low-income patients.
“Dialysis must be performed three times a week, every month, throughout the year without interruption. The financial cost is enormous.
“Through the Sarawak government’s support, we hope to ease their burden and provide some relief. We do not want financial difficulties to affect their emotional wellbeing.”
Fatimah outlined several key initiatives by the Sarawak government to assist kidney patients, including funding for Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) surgery; Erythropoietin (EPO) injections; and subsidised dialysis treatment.
She noted that 24 additional dialysis machines were supplied to government hospitals and clinics last year.
“Some of the existing dialysis machines were outdated and had not been replaced for a long time. The Sarawak government stepped in to ensure patients receive the best possible care,” she said.
