By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 23: Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon suggests the government establish a haemodialysis centre at Sungai Asap Health Clinic, Belaga.
Chukpai said such a facility is needed as patients in the area have to seek treatment at the nearest hospitals, either in Miri or Kapit.
“Health is very important in our daily lives. I sympathise with the 32 kidney patients in my area who have to undergo dialysis treatment at Miri Hospital and Kapit Hospital as many as three times a week.
“These patients have to go back and forth from the Sungai Asap village to the hospital in Bintulu with the cost of transport and spending on food, drinks, etcetera amounting to RM200 once there because there is no place to live in Bintulu.
“Imagine three times a week; in a month, the expenditure to get dialysis treatment services is RM2,400. This situation is very burdensome for patients and family members in terms of cost and time,” he revealed.
Chukpai said this when debating Sarawak Budget 2024 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in DUN Complex today.
He hoped that the establishment of a haemodialysis centre at the Sungai Asap Health Clinic could meet the demand for dialysis treatment services from the communities of Sungai Asap, Belaga and Tubau as soon as possible for the well-being of the people.
Chukpai also revealed that the Sungai Asap Health Clinic project is already under discussion with the Sarawak State Health Department and has been included in the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) but is still awaiting approval.
“I am waiting for the relevant ministry to enlighten me regarding this matter,” he said. — DayakDaily
