Kidney patients grateful to centre
Published on: Friday, June 21, 2019
KOTA KINABALU: The Kinabalu Haemodialysis Association, which is operating eight dialysis machines, will apply for 10 more machines to accommodate the rising number of kidney failure patients in Sabah who need dialysis treatment.
The dialysis centre is currently treating 32 patients monthly who are mostly referred there by Queen Elizabeth Hospital and walk-in application.
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Despite the rising cost of dialysis treatment, it is providing treatment to the needy patients for as low as RM10 depending on the patient’s background.
PHKS is proud to be a place for treatment and competent provider for kidney patients regardless of their ability to pay, said Patron Tan Sri Datuk David Chu.
Patients suffering from kidney failure would require treatment up to three times per week. Private centres charge approximately RM300 per session for dialysis treatment only and charges vary depending on extra services such as blood taking, doctor consultation, and Epogen.
By this calculation, it is approximately RM4,000 per month. Medical bills are high and this resulted in patients and families to poverty.
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Therefore, PHKS aims to keep on giving further subsidies on the dialysis treatment to the poor and needy patients which leads PHKS to take up the expenses up to more than RM1 million annually.
The NGO is also providing two Monark Cycle Ergometers where patients can exercise while they are being treated, which can improve their mobility, health and quality of life.
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The Association was the first in Sabah to provide Monark Cycle Ergometer facility in Sabah. The program was recommended by its panel doctor, Dr Kenneth Wu, Consultant Physician and Nephrologist from KPJ Sabah Hospital who is the first Sabahan British-CCT accredited nephrologist in kidney medicine.
He has recently pioneered a new form of treatment for dialysis patients in this country called dialysis kinesiology using Monark Cycle Ergometer where patients are being monitored closely on a daily basis while using the Monark Cycle Ergometer to see the results.
Dr Kenneth mentioned that more than 7,000 of new dialysis patients are seen in the country almost on a yearly basis and dialysis treatment is very expensive both for the individual and the nation. There is a need for all of us to be intentional in looking after ourselves. Prevention is the best treatment and the most affordable option.
NGOs such as PHKS is playing a vital role in providing affordable dialysis treatment. Without the help of subsidised dialysis by many NGOs such as this organisation, one wonders how many more patients who are financially challenged would have perished over the years.
The disappointing fact is many patients could have avoided kidney failure if they are aware of the importance of being followed up regularly. There is very clear evidence that kidney failure can be prevented or delayed if one’s diabetes and blood pressure are under control.
Thomas Kinsul, 34, from Ranau who is currently staying with relative in Tanjung Aru said ever since he cycled while on dialysis treatment, he feels more refresh and energetic. Dialysis treatment takes at least four hours per session and he think that it’s a brilliant idea for the association to provide such facility.
Christila, 28, the youngest patient, is grateful to be able to get dialysis treatment at the center.
Ever since she is not able to work anymore due to her illness, sometimes things can be very depressing and unmotivated.
“I have been getting dialysis treatment for 5 years here and throughout my experience here, the staff are very friendly and caring especially,”.
Persatuan Hemodialisis Kinabalu has 9 dedicated staff which most of them has post basics and renal care certification. Staff are professional in doing their job, assisting the patients with the dialysis treatment process and at the same time taking good care of the patient’s needs to ensure that the patients are comfortable and at ease while doing their treatment.
Persatuan Hemodialisis Kinabalu, Sabah (PHKS) is a non-governmental organisation, was formed and registered on 26 August 2004 under the Societies Act 1966. The dialysis center was officially launched on 14 November 2005, as well as registered as a member of the National Renal Registry (Malaysia Society of Nephrology).
“As most of us enjoying the celebration of Harvest Festival and Hari Raya, we should not neglect and forget the needy patients and those who are unable to celebrate. It is our responsibility to take care of them and share the joy together,”Chu said.
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