(Standing from left) PBA president Choo Sui Len, Dr Wong, Joe, Hiew and exco members Lee Bee Hia and Hor Sek Chong with Low Tai (seated left) accompanied by her husband.
THE Pahang Buddhist Association (PBA) haemodialysis centre has set a new benchmark, becoming the first non-governmental organisation in Malaysia to offer haemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment, the highest standard of dialysis.
PBA secretary Dr Wong Sien Biang said the centre began introducing six HDF treatment machines last March.
“Over the past five months, 15 patients have used these HDF machines,” he said.
“They provide better therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional dialysis machines.
“These machines can significantly reduce complications post-dialysis, aligning with the centre’s goal of helping patients resume their daily lives.”
Dr Wong said according to the centre’s nephrology consultant, the existing haemodialysis (HD) machines could no longer meet some patients’ needs.
He said as such, the centre’s management, led by chairman Hiew Yun Fong and deputy chairman Joe Wong See Jau, stepped up efforts and pooled resources to upgrade existing machines to improve treatment outcomes.
“Many dialysis patients also suffer from chronic low blood pressure, ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.
“Despite optimising haemodialysis treatment, the results were still unsatisfactory,” Dr Wong said.
The PBA board, through a meeting on March 10, consented to the proposal after scrutinising the benefits of HDF treatment for the centre’s patients.
“With the decision, the PBA haemodialysis centre began a new chapter,” he said.
Initially, the centre purchased two HDF machines and received a loan unit from the supplier.
Following positive feedback from patients receiving the treatment, the centre obtained three more machines – one donated by three patients jointly and two by philanthropists from Melaka.
“Currently, we have 86 patients, 15 of whom are using the HDF treatment.
“Based on feedback from our patients, their health and quality of life have significantly improved,” Dr Wong said.
He added that HDF treatment could remove medium-to-large molecular weight solutes from the blood more effectively, thoroughly eliminating toxins.
However, it is more expensive than traditional HD treatment, with each HDF machine costing around RM70,000, excluding additional costs for parts and dialysis solutions, which add roughly 40% more to expenses.
“Despite this, we decided to provide HDF treatment because we see better therapeutic outcomes and improved daily living quality for patients.
“We hope to gradually replace old haemodialysis machines with haemodiafiltration machines,” he said, adding that the organisation welcomed public support through donations and assistance so that more poor patients could benefit.
Kidney patient Wong Low Tai, 67, said she had been using traditional HD machines for her dialysis treatment over the last two years.
Due to heart ailment issues, however, she had been unable to complete the four-hour treatment.
“I receive dialysis three times a week, and after three hours, my heart and body feel extremely uncomfortable.
“But two months ago, I began HDF treatment and could complete a four-hour session.
“Now, I am more energetic and can perform daily activities and household chores,” she said.
