MUKAH: A total of three haemodialysis machines costing RM123,450 were handed over to Mukah Hospital under the Kidney Patients Special Assistance (BKPBP) initiative, here, yesterday.
Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this was to help alleviate the burden of kidney patients in Sarawak who require such treatments.
“This is especially for patients who are less fortunate, as the cost of kidney treatment in private hospitals can reach RM320 per session.
“In one week, they need to undergo treatment three times, which certainly causes financial burden to those who are less fortunate.
“With the BKPBP initiative, it will certainly help to ease their financial burden,” she said.
She said this when speaking at the Handing Over Ceremony of Haemodialysis Machines at Mukah Hospital, here, yesterday.
She stated that the total cost of all haemodialysis machines handed over to Mukah Hospital amounted to RM123,450, with the cost of one machine being RM41,150.
Fatimah, who is also the Dalat assemblywoman, mentioned that the number of patients receiving treatment at the Haemodialysis Unit of Mukah Hospital has increased.
“In 2020, the number of patients was 48, in 2021 it was 49, and in 2022 it was 50.
“For 2023, there were 53 patients, and as of February 2024, there are 54 patients,” she explained.
She added that besides helping to provide these haemodialysis machines, other steps that could be taken include conducting programmes that educate the public about the importance of kidney care.
As such, everyone needed to work together to educate and raise awareness among the public about kidney-related diseases, she said.
Also present were Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine and Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Adana Jed.
