THE Sarawak government has allocated RM1.26 million for the purchase of 30 hemodialysis machines to be placed in 19 government hospitals and health clinics from 2021 to this year.
Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the hemodialysis machines would benefit 180 kidney patients.
“Three hemodialysis machines will be placed at Mukah Hospital and another one at the Dalat Hospital,” she said when delivering her ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday (Nov 28).
Fatimah added the Sarawak government has provided medical assistance, Kidney Patient Assistance (BPBP) and Prosthetic Aid/Support to help finance treatment costs to ease the financial burden of patients and their families.
“Since its introduction until October 2023, a total of RM8.9 million has been spent to help 1,117 patients,” she said.
She added that from January to October this year, the total number of financial aid recipients in Sarawak stood at 55,188 with an expenditure of RM212.05 million.
On another note, Fatimah said the Ministry through the Women and Family Department Sarawak (JKWS) is prepared to face the northeast monsoon season.
“A total of 653 Temporary Relief Centres (PPS) have been approved by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) which can house 162,091 disaster victims at any one time.
“A total of 29 forward bases have also been equipped with stocks of dry food supplies and basic needs to prepare for emergency in the event of a disaster,” she said.
