ESRF and CAPD Patients to Benefit from New Dialysis Machines and Consumables

9 April 2025  

KOTA KINABALU: Seven new dialysis machines and consumables for 48 end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients, as well as dialysate for 617 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), were donated by Minister of Community Development and People's Well-being, Datuk James Ratib, under the SMJ Sabah Sejahtera health assistance scheme.

Announcing this after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, stated that the patients would also receive free haemodialysis treatment for one year.

"This initiative by the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities in government hospitals. Ensuring the well-being of our people is a priority, especially for those unable to afford their treatment expenses," she said in a statement.

Liew, who is also the Assemblywoman for Api-Api, will deliver the new machines to State Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman at QEH next month.

"I shared the good news with the Director in a brief meeting," she noted.

Dr Maria affirmed that the government’s contribution would significantly benefit patients from the B40 income category.

She explained that there are 474 dialysis machines across 23 hospitals and two health clinics; however, only 435 of these machines are currently operational, as the others are out of order.

"Currently, approximately 1,336 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) receive haemodialysis treatment three times a week in 23 government hospitals and two health clinics throughout the state," Dr Maria added.