New dialysis unit to accommodate Johor’s increasing dialysis patients

Ling setting a good example by getting a basic health screening at the event.

COLUMBIA Asia Group of hospitals has set up its second dialysis unit at Columbia Asia Hospital-Tebrau (CAH-Tebrau) to fulfill the dialysis needs of the increasing number of kidney failure patients in Johor Baru.

The Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant Registry reported that there were 8,431 dialysis patients at the start of 2018. Within a year, that number increased to 44,136 patients.

“In short, there are 8,000 new kidney patients in Malaysia who need dialysis every year,” said CAH-Tebrau regional general manager Rahani Yaacob

According to a 2018 study by the National Renal Registry of Malaysia, Johor has the second highest number of patients requiring dialysis per million population, after Wilayah Persekutuan.

“We at CAH-Tebrau are doing our part to cope with this dire situation in the state.

“Even before we launched our dialysis center, we received many enquiries asking if we have dialysis services, especially from establishments in and around the Tebrau area.

“With the opening of this dialysis center, we hope to make dialysis accessible and convenient for the kidney patients, closer to their homes,” said Rahani.

State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, who launched the dialysis unit, said

Johor could become advanced by 2030, not only in economy and quality of life, but also in its medical services.

Regarding dialysis, he said awareness is more important than treatment and that it is important for the prevention of hypertension, diabetes and obesity as these too can lead to kidney complications.

During the launch, Ling and Rahani had a hospital tour and visited the dialysis unit.

Joining them was Columbia Asia Group chief executive officer and managing director Chan Book Kheng said,” We need to continue to work with our partners to take home the message of prevention and early detection.

“On our own, Columbia Asia can only provide dialysis chairs, but together we can do more for patients and their families.”

Also present at the event were representatives from the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and PERKESO, as well as other private healthcare providers, NGOs, corporations, third party administrators, insurers, vendors, clients and medical staff.

Also at the launch were booths promoting health screenings, physiotherapy, dietary consultation as well as health-related products and services.

The dialysis center at CAH-Tebrau comprises 11 hemodialysis stations that open six days a week.

Another factor that sets this center apart from other centers is the support services that add more value to the dialysis sessions. A dietician is on site to provide consultation to the dialysis patients, supervising their diet and food intake. This is to ensure patients are getting the right nutrition to support their health.