Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Law Suun Ting
PENANG inked yet another “first in the nation” achievement when it opened the first state-run Penang CAT Dialysis Treatment Centre in Balik Pulau one year ago.
On July 11, Penang state leaders held a simple and meaningful anniversary celebration at the centre where the Balik Pulau market complex is located.
“Currently 24 patients are benefitting from this centre. Each patient pays only RM30-RM80 per session even though the cost itself is RM110. We have six dialysis treatment machines operating now,” Penang state exco member for Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry, Rural Development and Health Dr. Afif Bahardin said.
“The state government is the only one in Malaysia which has a dialysis centre with full licences. This proves that a clean government can afford to open this RM2 million centre when it runs on clean governance. God willing, we will set up a centre in each of Penang’s five districts and we will choose to locate them in rural areas to reach out to the needy patients,” Dr Afif added.
He revealed that the next one will be opened in Seberang Jaya for the Central district followed by the other areas like Bandar Baru Air Itam in Northeast district, Bertam in North Seberang Perai and a yet to be identified site in South Seberang Perai.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng thanked B. Braun for their commitment and cooperation in helping the state government to manage the dialysis centre.
He also thanked Datuk Dr. Chen Tse Peng who supervises the centre and monitors the patients.
“I believe with public-private partnership, the corporate social responsibility commitment can be fulfilled. We give life to the patients through the treatment. Through smart financial management of the state’s finances, we are able to realise the set-up of this dialysis centre. It is a not-for-profit effort,” Lim said.
“In time, we will extend this to all the districts, including the opposition strongholds because the state government does not discriminate against anyone. We are willing to help, even those who are strong supporters of the oppostion (Barisan Nasional),” Lim added.