Lee (second right) points to one of the dialysis machines that requires immediate replacement.
MIRI (April 24): The rising number of dialysis patients aged between 40 and 49 in Miri is a growing concern, underscoring the urgent need for sustained community support to ensure continued treatment for those affected.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this age group forms the largest segment of patients at the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri Branch Kidney Dialysis Centre, with many still actively working and supporting their families.
“This is the most critical group, those aged between 40 and 49.
“They are still working, their children are still in school, and they are the main breadwinners. Without dialysis, they will not be able to survive,” he said during a press conference at the centre on Thursday.
Also present were Miri Hospital Director Dr Jack Wong and the dialysis centre committee members.
Lee, who is also chairman of the centre and advisor to the MRC Miri branch, said the facility currently treats 324 patients, with more on the waiting list, the majority of whom are receiving subsidised care.
He said the centre plays a pivotal role in sustaining lives, particularly for patients who are unable to afford private treatment.
“If we do not have this centre, where do these 324 patients go? They are practically left with no option,” Lee said.
He noted that dialysis treatment remains costly, with patients requiring about 13 sessions a month.
“At RM150 per session, this amounts to nearly RM2,000 monthly, excluding medication and other related costs.
“Even at this rate, most patients cannot afford it,” Lee said, adding that existing subsidies have helped ease the financial burden.
He added that private medical centres charge significantly higher fees of about RM3,000 per month, further limiting access for lower-income groups.
Meanwhile, Lee said the centre has recently completed a major RM4.6 million renovation of its first dialysis hall, which was first established 31 years ago.
He said the upgrade involved a complete overhaul of outdated infrastructure, including electrical wiring, flooring, air-conditioning systems and a standby generator.
“The entire facility had deteriorated and no longer met health and safety requirements. For the safety of our patients, everything had to be replaced,” he said.
Despite the completion of the renovation, Lee said the centre now urgently needs to replace 30 ageing dialysis machines in Dialysis Hall No. 1.
Out of 46 machines, 40 require immediate replacement as they are already about 10 years old, with the total cost estimated at RM1.5 million.
“To date, we have received confirmed donations amounting to RM274,000, which covers about five machines. However, we are still short of RM1.3 million,” he said.
Lee urged corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the public to contribute towards the procurement of the new machines.
“We have completed the renovation, but without the machines, we cannot fully utilise the facility.
“We appeal to the community to continue supporting this life-saving effort,” he said.
Currently, patients from the affected hall have been temporarily relocated to the MRC Permyjaya Dialysis Centre, which is operating three shifts daily to accommodate the increased load.
Lee said the MRC Miri Dialysis Centre, a non-profit facility, has been sustained for over three decades through strong community and corporate support.
The centre now operates 114 dialysis machines across its facilities, making it the largest dialysis provider in Sarawak.
“We are running an annual subsidy shortfall of RM2.5 million, which we need to raise every year to support our patients,” he said.
Lee added that all patients are assessed based on financial capability, with fees adjusted accordingly following home visits by welfare officers.
“Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial background, receives the same quality of dialysis.
“We want them to live normal, productive lives,” he said.
Lee also expressed appreciation to donors, including corporate bodies and NGOs such as Lions Clubs, for their continued contributions towards sustaining the centre’s operations.
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