SRI KEMBANGAN: Over the years, Malaysia has seen a 100% increase in the number of new dialysis patients that suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), with an estimated 7,000 new patients each year requiring regular dialysis. In its latest effort to assist the needy, Eco World Foundation was quick to respond to a call by an NGO organisation in Selangor to help with the replacement of dialysis machines which have worn out over the years. A total of 2 dialysis machines worth RM90,000 was donated to Pusat Hemodialisis Mawar, Selangor.

These machines are donated to replace the old machines at the Sri Kembangan branch of which 14 machines, 11 machines are more than 10 years old. An average lifespan for a dialysis machines runs from 7 to 8 years. Pusat Hemodialisis Mawar is an NGO formed in 1998 which provides subsidised dialysis treatment and support to unfortunate end stage renal failure patients. To date, the centre has extended care to over 780 patients at its 14 centres nationwide.

At the handing over ceremony at Pusat Hemodialisis Mawar, Eco World Foundation Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Foundation is honoured to be a part of the meaningful event as it shows how both organisations and non-profit organisations can join hands for the betterment of the community at large. “We are happy to be given the opportunity to contribute towards such a noble cause of helping kidney failure patients to lighten their financial burden,” said Lee.

Lee also added that today’s donation is in line with the Foundation’s aim of easing the sufferings of the ill stricken members of the society. “We are committed to use our resources productively to create healthy and happy citizens and we will continue to do so as long as we can,” said Lee.

Apart from championing Education through the Foundation’s main programme – Eco World Students Aid Programme (SAP), which provides financial assistance to the underprivileged primary and secondary students with the objective of keeping children of all races in school, the Foundation also contributes to needy Malaysians by providing financial donations and aiding less fortunate communities towards the betterment of their health and living conditions.

With the alarming number of up to almost 40,000 patients needing dialysis treatment in Malaysia at the end of 2016, Lee has expressed his concerns and is advising Malaysians to adopt a good and healthy lifestyle and conduct regular medical check-ups for early detection of the disease.

“This is not the 1st time we have donated dialysis machines to NGO centres and it most certainly won’t be the last. Up to now, the Foundation has spent a total of RM135,000 dialysis machines. I would also like to urge more corporations or individuals to stretch out a compassionate hand to bring hope to unfortunate victims of kidney disease.” said Lee.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Eco World Foundation Trustee Mr Philip Mathews, Eco World Foundation CEO Captain (Retired) Dato’ Liew Siong Sing and Chairman of Pusat Hemodialisis Mawar & Mawar  Medical Centre Datin Chua Lay Ping.