(Miri, 23rd) Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, stated in his speech at a charity bazaar fundraising event initiated by four Lions Clubs in Miri today that the equipment at the Miri Dialysis Center has been in use for nearly 30 years, with machines aging and facilities becoming outdated. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive repairs and replacements. Additionally, the renovation of the power system, floor replacement, and other infrastructure repairs are expected to cost 3.5 million MYR to ensure patients can continue to receive stable treatments.
He said that when the first dialysis center in Miri was being prepared in 1995, various Lions Clubs in Miri were among the units assisting in raising funds for the center. The continuous efforts of the Lions Clubs, including donating dialysis machines, are commendable and appreciated.
He said that when the first dialysis center in Miri was being prepared in 1995, various Lions Clubs in Miri were among the units assisting in raising funds for the center. The continuous efforts of the Lions Clubs, including donating dialysis machines, are commendable and appreciated.
He emphasized the well-known importance of the dialysis center to the citizens of Miri. Currently, the two Miri dialysis centers provide dialysis services to over 320 kidney disease patients. Due to the high costs of dialysis at private medical centers, where each patient needs to undergo 13 dialysis treatments per month at a cost of up to 100 MYR per session, many low- and middle-income families find it difficult to afford. In contrast, the Miri Dialysis Center charges fees based on the patients' financial situation and even offers free treatment to those in extreme poverty.
“If a family has a monthly income of 5,000 MYR, and 3,000 MYR needs to be used for dialysis treatment, they will find it difficult to afford other basic household expenses. Therefore, our center relies on generous donations from all sectors of society to ensure all patients can receive necessary treatments.”
He stated that currently, the Miri Government Hospital can only accommodate about 90 dialysis patients, and the remaining patients can only choose private medical centers or charitable dialysis centers. As the dialysis center’s equipment has been in use for nearly 30 years, with machines aging and facilities becoming outdated, there is an urgent need for comprehensive repairs and replacements. For this reason, the center plans to replace 30 dialysis machines, with each machine costing about 45,000 MYR, totaling 1.35 million MYR. In addition, the renovation of the power system, floor replacement, and other infrastructure repairs are expected to cost 3.5 million MYR.
“We are very grateful for the support from the Miri community, especially businesses, charitable organizations, and volunteer groups like the Miri Lions Club, JCI International, etc. These organizations have long assisted the dialysis center, allowing us to maintain the center’s operations and help over 90% of patients receive affordable treatments.”
“We are very grateful for the support from the Miri community, especially businesses, charitable organizations, and volunteer groups like the Miri Lions Club, JCI International, etc. These organizations have long assisted the dialysis center, allowing us to maintain the center’s operations and help over 90% of patients receive affordable treatments.”
The center emphasized that over the past 30 years, some patients have survived with the support of dialysis treatment, demonstrating the importance of dialysis treatment. However, without financial support, the center will not be able to continue providing services, and many patients’ lives will be at risk.
“Without dialysis, the kidneys cannot normally detoxify, and the body will rapidly deteriorate, usually worsening or becoming life-threatening within 10 to 14 days. Therefore, we call on all sectors of society to enthusiastically donate and jointly support this life-saving charity.”
Meanwhile, he pointed out that PermyJaya Dialysis Center is planning to expand, while the Dialysis Center located on Bulan Sabit Road will undergo comprehensive repair and replacement, with fundraising currently underway, and full-scale repairs expected to commence within this year.