LUNDU: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), in collaboration with Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (SABATI), donated one dialysis machine to Lundu Hospital to help ease pressure on its overstretched dialysis services.
The donation comes at a critical time as the hospital currently operates with only two dialysis machines to cater to 62 patients, with several existing machines having been in use for more than 10 years.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, reflecting continued support for efforts to strengthen dialysis treatment services at government hospitals, particularly in rural areas.
With the addition of the new machine, the hospital is expected to provide more efficient and effective dialysis treatment while reducing the burden on ageing equipment.
Dialysis treatment costs remain a major concern for patients, with private centres charging between RM4,000 and RM4,900 per month, while treatment at non-governmental organisation (NGO) dialysis centres costs around RM1,500 to RM2,000 monthly.
In comparison, dialysis services at government hospitals cost about RM500 per month, underscoring the importance of adequate facilities at public hospitals for patients from lower-income groups.
Since 2020, SEB has contributed eight dialysis machines to hospitals in Sarawak, including those in Lawas, Kapit, Bau and Simunjan.
This year, the company continues its commitment with the donation of five additional dialysis machines to be distributed to hospitals in Lundu, Sarikei, Mukah, Miri and Bintulu.
In total, SEB has donated 13 dialysis machines valued at approximately RM500,000, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Sarawak.
The programme also included a visit by the delegation to the Dialysis Ward at Lundu Hospital, where they met and interacted with patients undergoing treatment.
Also present were Tanjong Datu assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan; SABATI honorary treasurer, Datin Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidin; Lundu Hospital director, Dr Chin Shi How; and Sarawak Energy senior vice president of Corporate Services Department, Siti Aisah Adenan.
