SIBU: Selangau Health Clinic is in great need of haemodialysis machines due to the increase in the number of patients.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira yesterday expressed hope that the government will take this matter seriously as haemodialysis patients in Selangau have to travel to Sibu for treatment.
Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee said recently that a haemodialysis unit may be set up in Selangau Health Clinic as and when needed.
“Oh, that is good news. Haemodialysis machines are really needed in Selangau now,” Gira reacted.
He said there is no such medical facility in Selangau, compelling patients to be burdened by the high cost of transportation to Sibu.
Gira said he had asked the government to consider providing haemodialysis machines in rural clinics such as Selangau during the last three State Legislative Assembly sittings.
“Unfortunately, my concerns were turned down because haemodialysis patients within Selangau area were fewer than five persons.”
“Based on statistics given to me, there are actually about 10 haemodialysis patients in Selangau. They have to travel to Sibu at least three times a week to seek treatment,” he said.
Gira has also appealed to the government to provide more haemodialysis facilities at Sibu Hospital to cater to the increase of dialysis patients.