MIRI: A new kidney dialysis centre is expected to begin construction by the end of the year.

Kidney Dialysis Centre (KDC) chairman Datuk Lee Kim Shin revealed that a three-acre land parcel between Tudan bus terminal and Industry Training Institute (ILP) has been identified and approved for the construction of the new centre as a substation.

“Currently, the project’s progress is still in the planning stage while the identified land has to undergo earth-filling.

“Hopefully, the building construction works will commence by end of this year or early in the first quarter of next year after paperwork has been completed,” he told thesundaypost yesterday afternoon.

Moreover, Lee, who is also Assistant Minister of Communication, said plans for the new kidney dialysis substation are afoot to brace for the long run as in two to three years’ time, the existing KDC capacity is only able to cater for a total of 400 patients.

“This planning is timely due to the increasing number of patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment annually. Currently, KDC has a total of 282 patients.”

“The new location is proposed as it is strategic where currently more than 100 patients are from Tudan, Kuala Baram, Senadin and Permyjaya areas undergo their weekly treatment at KDC. So, once the substation completed in the future, patients from the nearby areas will be transferred there,” he added.

Furthermore, Lee said the existing KDC has no more space for building extension along with two operating halls with a total of 76 machines that cater up to 222 patients daily.

“About 90 per cent of patients at the centre are on subsidized rate to as low as RM5 up to RM220 per dialysis session for the hardcore poor group. We (also) have social workers who go to the ground to cross check with the subsidy applicant’s family background. Thus, the subsidized rate is given according to a family’s financial status,” he said.

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