Labuan: Maybank International (Labuan) Ltd presented its fifth haemodialysis machine to the Labuan Hospital, making it 21 machines in total to serve 86 patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF), while 16 patients on the waiting list.

The bank's regional director Hazri Rohilo Hood handed over the machine to Health Director Dr Ismail Ali and Hospital Director Dr Adnan Musa bin Balidran.

The hospital started its haemodialysis unit with two machines as it then had only four patients in 1994.

Maybank International had been a strong supporter of the hospital since 2012, donating two machines each year. Each machine was tagged at RM45,000.

Representing the hospital, Dr Adnan praised the bank for the machines it had donated, making it possible for dialysis patients to receive their thrice weekly treatment on the island.

"Without our dialysis unit, patients have to go the Sabah mainland for their kidney dialysis. Each treatment can cost between RM200 to RM300. Excluding travelling and accommodation expenses, the patient has to cough out a minimum of RM2,400 a month for treatment, not including an accompanying relative."

The donations go a long way in saving time and costs to the patients, especially the majority who are from the lower income group, he added.

Hazir in handing over the machine, said Maybank International realised the importance of the kidneys and is sympathetic towards patients in need of dialysis treatment.

"With more patients suffering from ESRF each year, it is a challenge for the hospital to meet the challenge. Our contribution is in line with the call by the Health Minister to the private sector to donate machines. We will consider the needs of Hospital Labuan from time to time."

The haemodialysis treatment is a second chance for ESRF patients, who might not have survived, due to the malfunctioning of their kidneys.

Besides supporting Hospital Labuan, the bank has also adopted SMK Pantai to empower the school to excel in English, Maths and Bahasa Melayu.

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