Dr Sim highlights urgent need for more dialysis machines, facilities in S’wak

KUCHING (Sept 14): Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian has stressed the urgent need for more dialysis machines and expanded facilities in Sarawak, in light of the rise in the number of kidney failure patients each year.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government explained that patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) depend on dialysis to extend their lives by another 15 to 20 years.

“Over the past five years, the number of patients increased from just 3,500 to 4,500.

“As such, there is a need for more dialysis machines,” he said when officiating at the opening of a haemodialysis centre, the Kuching Kidney Centre Sdn Bhd.

Dr Sim further elaborated that each dialysis machine typically serves up to six patients and that acquiring enough machines to meet demand remains a challenge.

“The Kuching Kidney Centre not only provides these machines to extend the lives of kidney failure patients but they also aspire to inspire, giving hope and motivation to those battling this disease,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of enhancing local healthcare autonomy as supported by the MA63 agreement, which is crucial for efficiently managing regional dialysis needs.

Meanwhile, nursing director Melissa Kung in her speech said that the Kuching Kidney Centre aims to serve patients from Batu Kawa, Matang and Lundu district.

“By providing our services within these areas, we aim to ease the travel burden of our patients, allowing them to receive the care they need closer to home,” she said, adding that the centre is equipped with six haemodialysis machines, allowing treatments of up to 36 patients across three shifts.

Also present at the event was person-in-charge of the Kuching Kidney Centre Dr Chai Thien Cherng.

For more information about Kuching Kidney Centre Sdn Bhd, contact 082-686083 or 016-8891929.