Sabah's Queen Elizabeth Hospital gets 100 new haemodialysis machines

The Star

2 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has gifted 100 units of haemodialysis machines to alleviate the burden of end-stage kidney failure patients in the state.
State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib handed over the machines in an event held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital II here Thursday (June 12).
In his speech, he said that this is part of the Sabah Maju Jaya Health Assistance Scheme with an allocation of RM8.5mil.
'Out of this amount, RM4mil is for treatment and RM4.5mil is for the dialysis machines.
'Eligible patients who do home dialysis will also get a monthly subsidy of RM100 for their treatment,' James said, adding that this is aimed at lessening the burdens of needy patients.
He said the number of patients has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024.
With such an increase, the need to improve medical services also increased, he said, adding that the government was committed to providing quality and affordable medical access to patients.
To date, Sabah has a total of 474 haemodialysis machines to be shared among all patients, but only 435 units are functioning properly while the rest are in need of repair.
Patients using these machines are required to pay RM13 for each session, and they have to do it a few times a week, depending on the severity of their condition.
In another event earlier, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital saw the launch of its new signboard and history gallery, an initiative led by the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), in collaboration with the Sabah State Health Department and the hospital.
The effort aims to preserve the legacy of one of Sabah's oldest and most important hospitals, while recognising the contributions of healthcare personnel since its establishment.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the signboard and gallery, Sabah Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the initiative reflects an appreciation of the significant role QEH has played in the development of the State's healthcare system.
'Queen Elizabeth Hospital has played an important role in the lives of Sabahans for many years. This initiative ensures that the hospital's history and the sacrifices of those who have served here are not forgotten,' he said.
The new signboard serves as a historical marker highlighting the hospital's colonial-era origins, including its official opening by the Countess of Perth in 1957 and the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, which led to the hospital's official naming.
The historical gallery displays photographs, documents, and key artefacts marking major milestones in the hospital's growth. It is open to the public and serves as a resource for students, researchers, and the wider community.
Masidi also expressed appreciation to CALM for its commitment and leadership in realising the project, and commended the close collaboration with the Sabah Health Department and QEH.
He added that other hospitals should consider similar efforts to preserve their institutional history and foster greater public appreciation of Malaysia's healthcare system.