KANGAR: Based on population density, Perlis and Kedah record the highest number of patients with kidney problems, said National Kidney Foundation (NKF) chief executive officer Chua Hong Wee.
“We cannot determine the actual cause for Perlis and Kedah have a high number of kidney patients, but there is a possibility that it is linked to the two states having sugar factories,” he added.
He was met by reporters after the handing over of a haemodialysis machine, costing RM45,000, from the Wives and Women Staff Association of Petronas (Petronita) to the Tuanku Syed Putra Haemodialysis Centre (PHTSP) in Taman Bukit Kaya here.
Chua said various programmes had been carried out by NKF to enhance public awareness on healthy lifestyle, especially to reduce their intake of sugar, to avoid them getting diabetes, which could then lead to kidney problems.
He said the NKF had 28 haemodialysis centres nationwide and required about RM36 million a year to run them.
Hence, NKF welcome support and contributions from the public to make haemodialysis treatment more accessible, he added.
Meanwhile, PHTSP secretary Datuk Johari Mohd. Darus said with the latest contribution by Petronita, there were now 19 haemodialysis machines at the centre. — Bernama