KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will supply seven new dialysis machines and consumables to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) under the SMJ Sabah Sejahtera health assistance scheme.
This contribution will benefit 48 end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients and 617 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
The initiative, led by Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being Datuk James Ratib, was announced by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (April 9).
Liew said patients will also receive free haemodialysis treatment for one year.
"The gesture of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reflects its caring concern and commitment to improve healthcare facilities in government hospitals. Ensuring the well-being of the people is among our priorities, especially those who cannot afford to pay for their treatment expenses," she said in a statement.
Liew, who is also the Api-Api assemblywoman, will hand over the new machines to Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman at QEH next month.
"I have conveyed the good news to the director in a brief meeting," she added.
Dr Maria said the contribution was a significant help, especially for patients from the B40 income group.
She said there are 474 dialysis machines in 23 hospitals and two health clinics statewide, but only 435 are functioning as the rest are out of order.
"Some 1,336 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) are receiving haemodialysis treatment thrice a week in 23 government hospitals and two health clinics throughout the state," she said.
