KUCHING: The newly opened Kuching Kidney Haemodialysis Centre will provide essential haemodialysis services to patients from Batu Kawa, Matang, and as far as Lundu, improving healthcare access for many in these areas.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated at the centre’s opening earlier today (Sept 14), praised the initiative for offering hope beyond medical treatment.
“The Kuching Kidney Centre doesn’t just provide machines for dialysis; they give patients a chance to live many more years, not just days.
“Their motto, ‘We Aspire to Inspire,’ is about providing not only treatment but also hope, empowerment, and a better quality of life,” he said during the officiation.
He commended the centre for being one of the few private facilities in the region dedicated to providing this vital service close to patients’ homes.
“The centre offers more than just dialysis—it ensures patients live a good quality of life.
“Setting up such a facility, with six machines serving 36 patients, requires significant investment and specially trained staff, including nurses, doctors, and nephrologists,” he added.
Dr Sim, who is Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, also highlighted the importance of having these machines in a proper medical setting rather than at home.
“In centres like this, patients can expect to live another 15 to 30 years, whereas home-based treatments often don’t yield the same results.
Addressing the rising number of kidney patients, Dr Sim revealed that chronic kidney disease affects 16 per cent of Malaysia’s population as of 2018, with Sarawak alone accounting for nearly half a million cases.
“End-stage renal disease has seen a significant increase, with the number of patients needing dialysis rising by 1,000 over the past five years,” he said.
Dr Sim added that as the demand for dialysis machines increases, Sarawak requires around 300 new machines annually, and some have opted for peritoneal dialysis due to the shortage of machines.
Meanwhile, the centre’s director of Nursing Melissa Kung said it can accommodate a maximum of 36 patients per day across three shifts.
With six haemodialysis machines, the centre focuses on creating a compassionate and supportive environment, where patients feel valued and empowered to take control of their health.
Kung added that the centre is a recognised panel for the Public Service Department (PSD) and is awaiting approval for panelship from Social Secuirty Organisation (SOCSO), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV).
“Our partnerships will enable us to extend our services to more patients, ensuring that everyone has access to the specialised care they need,” Kung added.
