KUALA LUMPUR: Over the past 10 years, Malaysia has seen a 100% increase in the number of new dialysis patients suffering from chronic kidney disease with an estimated 7,400 new patients each year requiring regular treatment. In its latest effort to assist the needy, Eco World Foundation responded to a call by Pertubuhan Medifund Kuala Lumpur (PMKL) to help the charitable organisation with the replacement of dialysis equipment.

The Foundation’s RM80,000 contribution for dialysis equipment comprises of a dialysis machine worth RM45,000 and a reprocessor worth RM35,000. The equipment will be for the Pusat Hemodialis Dato Lee Kok Chee – PMKL situated in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

At the handing over ceremony today, Eco World Foundation Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Foundation was delighted to help the centre by providing new equipment. “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute towards a noble cause which we hope will help towards reducing the financial burden of kidney failure patients,” said Lee.

Lee also added that the donation was in line with the Foundation’s aim of easing the suffering of 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.

At the end of 2017, the number of kidney patients needing dialysis has risen to 42,503. Currently, there are approximately 20,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list. Lee expressed his concerns at this alarming rate and advised Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle and conduct regular medical check-ups for early detection of the disease.

“This is not the first time we have donated dialysis machines and it will not be the last. We have spent a total of approximately RM340,000 on dialysis machines. I would also like to urge more corporations and individuals to reach out and bring hope to unfortunate victims of kidney disease,” said Lee. An average lifespan for a dialysis machines runs from seven to eight years. The cost of the new dialysis machine ranges from approximately RM40,000 to RM45,000.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Eco World Foundation CEO Dato’ Captain (Retired) Liew Siong Sing and PMKL Chairman Dato’ Eric Ong.