News Release

Pure Water Flows At Sabah Kidney Society 

Pure water is essential to the lives of patients receiving dialysis treatment at Sabah Kidney Society in Kota Kinabalu. LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently donated a new Reverse Osmosis System to replace an old water filtration system being used in the facility. The new equipment will provide pure, clean water for use in the dialysis machines. Being more efficient by using less salt and water is an added benefit of the upgrade.

Managed by Doris Teo and her professional and caring staff, as many as 37 patients spend four hours, three days per week receiving life saving dialysis treatment at the center. In 1994 Dr. Wah Hai Sit, a local physician and member of Lions Club recognized the need for the proper care of individuals who had diminished kidney function and little ability to pay for private health care. Under his direction the Sabah Kidney Society was formed and began operating in 1995.

Dr. Wah and Doris Teo, Nurse and Manager at the facility have volunteered at SKS for the past 20 years.  Secretary,Rosalind Kueh has volunteered her time and service for 18 years and KH Chung, current Chairman of the Sabah Kidney Society Committee has been serving for the past 12 years. This dedication and selfless service was noted by Dan and Colleen Allen as they served as Humanitarian Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia.

The center is open six days a week, regardless of holidays, to care for the dialysis needs of the patients. Each of the 37 patients pay a per visit fee based on their ability to pay. Apart from patient fees, SKS depends on annual grants from Sabah Council of Social Services and subsidies to patients from Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur.  Fund raisers and other NGOs also play an important part of their financial support.

LDS Charities partnered with Sabah Kidney Society and to share the expense of the Reverse Osmosis System. This is one of many contributions made through LDS Charities which have benefited the health of citizens in Malaysia. Dan Allen said, "we are grateful for the cooperation of SKS and their willingness to partner with LDS Charities to receive a new reverse osmosis machine. It is an honor to be a participant in improving health for those at risk in East Malaysia".

Current Society Nephrologists, Dr. Liew also volunteers his time evaluating every patients on a quarterly basis, as well as teaching people about kidney disease. In a recent presentation Kota Kinabalu  members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dr. Liew discussed the physiology of kidney function as well as causes and effects of kidney disease.   He said "Malaysia is right at the top of the list when it comes to kidney disease within their population!  One in eight Malaysians will suffer from Type-2 Diabetes in their lifetime."  He encourage people to eat properly and exercise regularly.

President Sebastian Harun, local leader of the Church congregation in Kota Kinabalu, thanked members of the Sabah Kidney Society for the opportunity to be of service and for their willingness to partner with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the quest to relieve suffering in the world.

 

 

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