FREE Haemodialysis Treatment in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia
A FREE Haemodialysis Treatment Centre which is located within the 20-acre compound of Ping Sien Si Temple in Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut, Sitiawan, Perak, will open its doors to patients on 1st January 2024.
This initiative is fully funded and supported by the Ping Sien Si Temple and public donations. Its founder, Dato’ Koh King Ong, will cover the shortfall. Dato’ Koh is a successful property developer and prominent philanthropist from nearby Kampung Cina. Dato’ Koh has been the Chairperson of the temple for 35 years.
This treatment centre caters to all needy kidney patients, irrespective of race and religion, in the community and neigbhouring towns.
There are 18 haemodialysis machines, including one specifically for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C patients respectively. Each machine, made in Germany, costs RM48,000 with a lifespan of ten years. To ensure that they run efficiently, monthly servicing by technicians is required.
To manage this centre costs RM2 million a year. Total staff members are 6 including renal nurses and a nephrologist (kidney specialist). One nurse plus an assistant can handle 8 machines simultaneously. To date, there are already 35 patients registered with the centre.
There are plans to expand a second phase, with an addition of 8 haemodialysis machines, for a total of 24 units when the second phase is ready.
Kidney patients need to undergo treatment three times a week. The average cost a patient spends at a private kidney treatment facility is RM2500 per month, with each session priced at RM200+, excluding medication and other miscellaneous expenses.
Pertubuhan Perkhidmatan Dialisis Amal Sitiawan, Perak lightens the financial burden of these needy patients in the community.
Additionally, its establishment also provides access to haemodialysis treatments to returning residents of Manjung, who are back to settle family issues. This ensures that patients can continue with critical medical treatment according to schedule while they are in Manjung.
Video: FREE Haemodialysis Treatment in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia
Revisiting Ping Sien Si Temple
Fronting the Straits of Melaka, Ping Sien Si Temple is also known as Tua Pek Kong (Temple). It is home to more than a hundred statues of Buddhist/Taoist deities and legendary characters, with the largest standing at 48 feet. It is the imposing statue of Malaysia’s tallest “Tua Pek Kong” statue. “Tua Pek Kong” is the God of Prosperity in Taoism.
During our interview with the temple committee ten years ago, RM7.5 million had already been expended on the development of the temple, which was originally established over a century ago. It was only recently that the temple was fully developed, possibly to the tune of more than RM10 million in total.
Note: Our tour of Ping Sien Si Temple and the haemodialysis treatment centre was facilitated by the Manjung Municipal Council and Councillor, Clr HW Ding, during International IPOH Fashion Week (IIFW): Season 5.0.
Video: Ping Sien Si Temple (Pasir Panjang Laut)
Pertubuhan Perkhidmatan Dialisis Amal Sitiawan, Perak is located within the compound of Ping Sien Si Temple (Pasir Panjang Laut)
Add: Jalan Pasir Panjang, Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdTdPh4hdJV3S54NA
Admission: Free of charge