KUALA LUMPUR: Between RM4mil and RM6mil is spent annually to upgrade haemodialysis centres nationwide including in rural areas, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic).
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The expenditure was used to buy or replace medical equipment such as replacement haemodialysis machines, reverse osmosis machines and dialyser reprocessors, she added.
“The Health Ministry is always committed to ensuring that dialysis services (are available) throughout the country, including rural areas.
“In addition, the allocation is also used to renovate clinics and stores,” she said in a parliamentary written reply to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) on Wednesday (May 24).
Muhammad Islahuddin wanted to know the ministry’s efforts to improve facilities for kidney patients, especially in rural areas.
Dr Zaliha also said the ministry will receive an estimated allocation of RM27.77mil to upgrade haemodialysis centres nationwide under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).
“From 2021 to date, the government has spent RM15.77mil to buy 103 hemodialysis machines and related equipment and upgrade existing units.
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“Each newly-built public hospital will also be equipped with a hemodialysis unit.
“This will increase dialysis treatment capacity (in the area), with an average minimum increase of 40 to 60 patients depending on financial allocation, number of staff and work shifts,” she added.
The Star reported earlier that the ministry estimated almost 9,000 new kidney patients are registered annually and require dialysis treatment.
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia has been on the rise, the ministry added.
– The Star