Easing burden of dialysis patients

(Standing, from left) Dr Azman, Mathews and Liew chatting to a patient at MAA Medicare Charity Dialysis Center.

MALAYSIA has recorded a 100% increase in the number of patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) over the past 10 years, with an approximate 7,400 new patients each year requiring regular dialysis.

With this in mind, Eco World Foundation stepped up to help alleviate the ordeal of patients by donating a dialysis machine to MMA Medicare Charitable Foundation. 

The new machine is to replace a worn-out one at the MAA Medicare Charity Dialysis Center in Selangor.

Eco World Foundation board of trustee Philip Mathews said they were honoured to contribute to a noble cause.

“It is to ease the financial burden of patients with kidney failure, and this move is also in line with one of our foundation’s aims,” he said, adding that the foundation spent about RM260,000 on dialysis machines so far.

Mathews also noted that at the end of last year, 42,503 patients were in need of regular dialysis.

“Currently, 20,000 patients are on the kidney transplant waiting list. The situation is worrying and alarming,” he added.

He took the chance to advice Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle and conduct regular medical check-ups for early diagnosis.

MAA Medicare Charitable Foundation assistant vice-president Dr Azman Sharif said he appreciated the donation.

“We now have 18 machines, which means we can run on a full capacity of 108 patients and currently, we have 52 patients on treatment.

“The average lifespan of a dialysis machine is between seven and eight years, while the cost of a new dialysis machine ranges from RM40,000 to RM45,000,” Dr Azman said.

He said their foundation also offered subsidised dialysis treatment to make it affordable and accessible to patients.

“Dialysis treatment at a private centre costs between RM250 and RM300, while our centre charges up to only RM170 for the same service,” he said.

Patient Norhaliza Ahmad, 42, said she felt encouraged by the donation. “Many more patients will benefit from the machine,” she said.

Also present was Eco World Foundation chief executive officer Capt (Rtd) Datuk Liew Siong Sing.

Those who wish to contribute to Eco World Foundation can call 012-280 3561.