Kidney patients increase two-fold yearly
SIBU: The number of Malaysians with kidney problems is expected to increase to 106,000 by 2040, according to the National Renal Registry Malaysia’s data.
Sibu Kidney Foundation (SKF) board of trustees chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau said the best way to reduce risk of kidney diseases is to lead a healthy lifestyle.
“In 2016, some 39,711 patients nationwide were on dialysis due to kidney failure and the number is increasing double fold every year.
“High blood pressure, diabetes or family history of kidney failure put people at an increased risk of developing kidney diseases,” he said when officiating at SKF Patients’ Day here on Thursday night.
He noted that many people are not aware that their kidneys had failed and they might find out too late. The need for dialysis or transplantation can be avoided if kidney diseases are detected early.
High blood pressure, diabetes or family history of kidney failure put people at an increased risk of developing kidney diseases.
Dato Vincent Lau
“Therefore, it is important that we take good care of our critically important organs and keep them as healthy as possible at every stage of life,” advised Lau.
Touching on SKF, he recalled it had 38 registered patients in 2016, adding that the number of kidney patients receiving treatment at the facility had increased to 67 as at August this year with 11 incoming patients.
Lau said SKF currently has 27 units of dialysis machines, of which 13 are haemodiafiltration (HDF) machine and 14 are haemodialysis (HD) machines.
“I think we are a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) centre with the most number of HDF machines in Malaysia,” he said.
HDF machines decrease morbidity and mortality rates with better clearance of waste products, better hemodynamic stability and reduced complication, especially for patients with cardiac problems.
Lau assured that SKF has always served those who suffer from critical renal failure and will work closely with the authorities and communities to realise the objectives of making the region a better and healthier place.
During the function, prizes sponsored by Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, JKS Biomedical Sdn Bhd and KTS Trading Sdn Bhd were given to 10 SKF compliant patients.
Also present were board of trustees vice chairperson Dr Ngian Hui Ung, who is also Sibu Hospital director, secretary Wong Siew Ing, SKF manager Ivy Lau and Dr Yek Leh Mui.