By Neil Brian Joseph
UMS-YKN dialysis centre among most advanced
KOTA KINABALU: The fully government funded Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) - National Welfare Foundation (YKN) Dialysis Centre is one of the most technologically advanced centres of its kind in the entire country.
YKN Board of Trustee chairman Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said this during her visit to the dialysis centre located at Plaza Kingfisher yesterday, where she also presented donations to the patients.
There are currently six dialysis centres in the country, which are fully funded under the Barisan Nasional, with Sabah accorded the privilege of having one of the most advanced centres.
"This dialysis centre is one of the centres that is managed and financed under YKN. Among the welfare programmes that we have conducted so far is to treat dialysis patients. This is one of our traditional programmes.
"We have worked with our smart partner, UMS. Thankfully, through this partnership, we have managed to set up this dialysis centre," said Shahrizat.
This particular dialysis centre is like none others as it uses a more holistic approach. Apart from receiving free treatment, patients are also entitled to other services such as recovery assistance, meals, health advice and emergency training for the patient's family members to prepare them for any worst case scenarios.
Since its inception on September 4, the centre has received three patients, with more to be added soon.
Most of the patients receiving treatment at the centre live within the vicinity of the area.
Shahrizat disclosed that YKN will spend RM31,200 on each patient, on a yearly basis.
"If there is a need for more of these centres in Sabah, I will discuss it with Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman," she added.
Also present at the event yesterday was Dr Tan Tek Song, an associate professor from UMS.
"This partnership between YKN and UMS aims to reduce the burden of the public who are suffering from kidney failure. This is because the treatment for kidney failure is quite expensive.
"We are thankful that YKN is willing to sponsor a total of 18 patients on a yearly basis," Tan said.
It is understood that these patients would visit the centre three times a week.
Commenting on the criteria required for a patient to be eligible to receive treatment at the centre, Datuk Seri Dr Abu Hassan Assari B Abdullah of the YKN said only those who are from the less fortunate community will be considered.
"The 18 patients we have chosen so far are from the less fortunate community. The financial status of a particular family will be crosschecked according to the criteria set up by the Community Welfare Department. This is a very important aspect," Abu Hassan said.
Also present at the event was State Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.