100 new hemodialysis machines to boost kidney care in Sabah

James (front row, third from left) handing over the dialysis machines to Dr Dzulkefly.
KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The Sabah State Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing (KPMKR), has supplied 100 additional hemodialysis machines to be distributed across various hospitals and clinics in the state.
This initiative is part of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Sabah Sejahtera Health Assistance Scheme, said KPMKR Minister Datuk James Ratib during a handing-over ceremony held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II today.
Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was present to receive the machines.
In a statement, James revealed that the total allocation for the SMJ Sabah Sejahtera Health Assistance Scheme amounts to RM8.5 million — comprising RM4 million for treatment costs and RM4.5 million for the purchase of the machines.
'The contribution of these machines is part of KPMKR's effort to ease the burden on end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients in Sabah, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said.
He noted that the number of ESRF patients receiving treatment in government facilities has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024.
'In light of the rising number of patients, the Sabah State Government remains committed to improving the quality and accessibility of hemodialysis services across the state,' he added.
Currently, Sabah has 474 hemodialysis machines, but only 435 are functional, while 39 are out of service.
To further support patients, the state government has waived the RM13 treatment fee and provides a RM100 subsidy to patients who opt for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) at home.
Hemodialysis machines are essential in treating kidney failure. With the growing number of patients, it is critical for health facilities to be equipped with enough reliable machines. This initiative aims to replace ageing or malfunctioning units and ensure compliance with current medical standards.
The new machines, featuring advanced filtration systems, touchscreens, digital monitoring, energy efficiency and user-friendly designs, come with a minimum one-year warranty and maintenance services.
The 25 government facilities receiving the machines include Queen Elizabeth Hospitals I and II in Kota Kinabalu, the Women and Children Hospital, Tuaran, Papar, Ranau, Kota Belud, Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Sandakan hospitals.
Dr Dzulkefly thanked the Sabah Government for the contribution, noting the increasing urgency for dialysis equipment. He also acknowledged that the state has made hemodialysis treatment nearly free, including for CAPD, further easing the financial burden on patients.
Also present was Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman.

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