By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, April 10: The Miri Red Crescent Dialysis Centre (MRCDC) remains open during the movement control order (MCO) to ensure continuous and uninterrupted treatment for patients.
Its chairman Datuk Lee Kim Shin said under the restricted movement order, a person who needs medical treatment must be allowed access to healthcare services.
“The recent novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak has triggered health alarm worldwide and patients on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis are classified as a Covid-19 high-risk category.
“Despite the threats of the coronavirus, our centre remains open and our patients continue to undergo their treatment without any interruption in compliance with the directives of the government which, classifies our MRCDC as providing an essential service,” he said.
The Senadin lawmaker added that the centre has been providing dedicated and essential haemodialysis treatment for End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) patients for the past 24 years.
“It is our mission to provide high-quality dialysis treatment at an affordable rate for all,” he continued.
Lee added that the centre has 339 patients, who were constantly reminded to come for dialysis every alternate day as failure to do so could jeopardise their health and even resulting in death.
The Sarawak Transport Minister cited an unfortunate incident, where one of its female patients from the rural area passed away, as she was unable to leave her home for haemodialysis at the centre.
“MRCDC regrets that a precious life has been lost due to this unfortunate situation, and has made a police report on the unfortunate demise of the patient.”
Lee assured that the centre has carried out rigorous procedures and implementing various infection control strategies to minimise the risk of disease transmission at dialysis facilities, safeguarding both the staff and patients. This included screening and awareness talk.
“Despite the difficulties we are facing during this period, MRCDC continues to support and care for all our patients to with the highest level of professionalism and care.
“We strongly urge all the families of patients, corporation and relevant parties to work together to facilitate and to ensure the dialysis patients to continue coming to receive their haemodialysis treatment,” he said.
Lee reminded patients to strictly follow their treatment schedules and health guidelines issued by the Health Ministry during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The centre can be contacted at 085-436862 for assistance if the patients encountered any difficulties and issues, he continued. — DayakDaily
