SERIAN: A new haemodialysis machine has been presented to Serian Hospital to cater for 70 patients.
Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Well-Being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said through the Kidney Patients Special Assistance (BKPBP) initiative, this assistance has materialised.
Additionally, the total number of haemodialysis machines will also be made available due to the rising number of patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.
She disclosed that this machine was part of the 24 units purchased through a tender last year, and meant for distribution to 14 hospitals across Sarawak.
“Each machine costs RM41,150 and the total expenditure for the 24 machines is RM987,600.
“The addition and placement of haemodialysis machines in Sarawak government health institutions is decided by factors such as the increase number in kidney patients requiring treatment, the need to replace old and obsolete machines, and the high usage capacity of the machines.
“With these additional machines, each haemodialysis machine can accommodate five to six additional kidney patients daily,” she said during the presentation ceremony of the haemodialysis machines at Serian Hospital today (June 7).
On the same note, Fatimah asserted that the Sarawak government has assisted 198 kidney patients through the BKPBP initiative with a total expenditure of RM9.31 million.
She added that they have received 13 new applications for assistance this year, along with 109 renewal applications, with a total expenditure of RM2.5 million.
Therefore, she urged those in need to apply for this initiative.
“There is no age limit for recipients of this assistance. They must be Sarawakians with ‘K’ status on their identity cards; currently not a civil servant; civil service retirees; or Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) contributors, and belong to the B40 or M40 income groups with a per capita income not exceeding RM1,020 per month or according to the current poverty line.
“Recipients must not be receiving treatment and transportation subsidies from any government agencies, private sector, or non-governmental organisations, or must be existing assistance recipients who still need support, such as transportation assistance (case by case basis).
“Application forms must be submitted to the Department of Social Welfare,” she added.
For the record, the haemodialysis unit at Serian Hospital was built and began operations in 2002, initially serving eight patients.
As of this year, the unit has provided health services to 70 patients, an increase from 68 patients since last year.
