Welfare dept allocates 24 kidney dialysis machines for 14 health centres

The state Welfare Department has allocated a total of 24 haemodialysis machines for distribution to 14 health centres throughout Sarawak, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said the RM987,600 worth of devices would raise the standard of care to patients with kidney failure.

“The distribution will include one at Sarawak Heart Centre, two at Lundu Hospital and one at Serian Hospital. Hospitals in Betong, Bintulu and Mukah will receive three machines each.

“The Debak health clinic, as well as hospitals in Saratok, Kanowit, Dalat and Limbang, will receive one machine each, while Tatau health clinic and hospitals in Lawas and Sarikei will each receive two machines,” she disclosed.

Fatimah said this during the handover of a haemodialysis machine costing RM41,150 to the Sarawak Heart Centre here yesterday, under the Kidney Patient Special Assistance (BKPBP) initiative

The initiative, she said, is part of the state’s government efforts to lessen the burden on the vulnerable groups.

“Up until 2023, the Sarawak government has spent a total of RM6,944,780, covering 185 BKPBP recipients.

“The highest expenditure was recorded in 2022, amounting to RM2,367,836,” she said, adding that a total of 87 patients received treatment at haemodialysis units throughout Sarawak last year.

Among those present at the handover ceremony were Sarawak Heart Centre director Dr Mohd Asri Riffin, Welfare Department director Adana Jed, and the ministry’s acting permanent secretary Colliner Gohe.