THE Penang government continues to strengthen support for dialysis patients through close collaboration with federal and private agencies.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Gooi Zi Sen (PH – Padang Lalang) said the state has allocated funds to assist dialysis patients, including through subsidies and partnerships.
Speaking during a response to a supplementary question by Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubuk), he noted that patients benefit from multiple sources of aid.
“Through the Ministry of Health (MoH), patients receive RM100 in subsidy for each dialysis treatment, up to 14 sessions a month.
“In addition, a monthly haemodialysis injection subsidy of RM240.50 is also available,” Gooi said.
Gooi highlighted that several other agencies, including Zakat and Perkeso, are involved in supporting dialysis care.
“A new dialysis centre under Perkeso is expected to begin operations in Penang this September and will have the capacity to treat 144 patients at a time,” he added.
He also mentioned that the state is responsive to dialysis centre applications and operators’ needs.
“We are ready to offer rental discounts and support to help operators set up new centres,” Gooi said.
However, he stressed that long-term solutions should focus on prevention and cited that increasing the number of dialysis machines or centres is not the only answer.
“We must also promote a healthy lifestyle,” he added, referencing the state’s partnership with MoH under the “3S” programme aimed at disease prevention and health screening.
The 3S are (war on Sugar, Salt/Sodium and Smoke).
During the session, Lee also questioned the state’s annual allocation for the CAT Dialysis Centre in Balik Pulau, noting that it only amounts to “tens of thousands” of ringgit.
He also raised concerns about operational costs and support for NGO-run dialysis centres.
In response, Gooi clarified that while the state provides subsidies, operational costs such as staff salaries are covered by B Braun, a medical equipment company involved in the CAT dialysis centre in Balik Pulau.
The centre operates on premises provided by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at a subsidised rental rate.
“For patients, the cost after all subsidies can be as low as RM10 per treatment,” Gooi said, adding that this includes aid from both the state and federal governments.
Regarding the expansion of dialysis centres, Gooi explained that federal guidelines under CKAPS (Private Medical Practice Control Section) impose limits on the number of centres in a given area to ensure even distribution.
“We aim to maintain a balanced number of dialysis centres across all districts.
“New centres will depend on interested parties willing to collaborate,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a written answer, Gooi had earlier told the assembly that from 2020 to 2024, the Penang government has allocated Rm147,120 to the CAT Dialysis Centre to support its initiatives for the public.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad