PUTRAJAYA: The government has identified 15 health clinics nationwide to begin dialysis treatment, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private companies, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said through close cooperation, the ministry would provide the venue and staff, whereas the equipment and machinery, as well as all renovation costs would be borne by the NGOs and the private sector, on the basis of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“Today, the Cabinet decided on the matter on the recommendation of the prime minister to help those who cannot afford the cost of hemodialysis, at the request of the NGOs themselves, particularly those getting the services at private hospitals.

“We hope all 15 clinics will be operational before the end of this year, because the NGOs and the private sector are ready to sponsor the effort,” he said at a media conference after chairing a post-Cabinet meeting here today.

According to Dr Subramaniam, developing hemodialysis centres at 15 clinics will cost between RM30 million and RM40 million and fully funded by the NGOs and private sector.

“Currently, there are 26,404 hemodialysis patients nationwide. After providing the hemodialysis treatment in 15 clinics, we will expand to other clinics,” he said.

The 15 clinics include three each in Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan; two each in Pahang and Johor; and, one each in Perak, Selangor, Terengganu, Sarawak and Penang.

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam has urged the people to use water wisely in the face of the El Nino phenomenon which is expected to lead to a water crisis in the country.

He also said that obesity had become a serious concern in Malaysia, for which the country was renowned in the Asean region, adding that the matter was discussed at today’s meeting.

Source:BERNAMA