-By Vincent D’Silva
JOHOR BARU : Kidney diseases has become a significant public health concern with an ever-increasing prevalence, diabetes being among the major contributors to the problem.
Nearly one in five Malaysian adults, or 18.3%, has diabetes, says the Health Ministry.
A recent survey showed that an estimated 3.9 million Malaysians aged 18 and above are suffering from diabetes, according to the Health Ministry.
With 8,000 new kidney failure cases detected annually nationwide, the Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) decided to start a second kidney dialysis centre in the city’s southern precinct.
Realising a rise in diabetes cases, RCJB, which is the first rotary club in the country to set up a dialysis centre has become the only club to have two dialysis centres.
Newly elected 72nd president of RCJB Dr. Vishwadeep Singh Sandhu said the first dialysis centre came on-stream in 2003. Located in the city centre, it has 18 haemodialysis machines which caters to 52 patients every month.
The second dialysis centre is located in Bandar Seri Alam and will be in operation soon and the residents in the surrounding areas of Masai will also be able to receive subsidized haemodialysis treatment in the near future. There are six machines to serve about 25 patients monthly.
When RCJB started their first Dialysis Centre in 1991, it was the first non-governmental organization-operated haemodialysis centre in the region to meet an essential need for kidney patients.
Soon after it was established, other clubs and associations followed their lead to set up similar dialysis centres in their communities.
According to Vishwadeep diabetes in Malaysia is expected to continue to climb at an increased rate due to our unhealthy lifestyle.
He said eight per cent of the adult population in the state – between 50,000 and 80,000 people – are suffering from diabetes, and half of the state’s population have not been diagnosed yet.
For poor and needy patients the club heavily subsidises for them. Only in extreme cases we try and get a sponsor. The club has an operating cost to run the centre. As far as possible the club tries its best to help the patients with a very much reduced rate compared to other private dialysis centres.
Public hospitals are already full and hence they are unable to cope with the increasing number of kidney cases. Therefore, RCJB tries to alleviate their needs and help them with living a normal life.
Adding feather to its cap, the dialysis centre in Johor Baru has recently obtained tax free status and the club hopes to raise much needed funds for the continuing operational needs of the dialysis centre.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For the past 72 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, they are always working to better our world, and RCJB stays committed to the end.
Over the years, Vishwadeep said the members have worked together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies and protecting the environment.
“We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders,” he said about Rotary’s mission.
As for its vision, he said together, they see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Among his upcoming projects include a tree planting task that will be related in environmental sustainability. This mission will also highlight the importance of environmental sustainability to our future generations which is critical in this day and age of climate change.
A Mental Health project for the community is also in the pipeline.
Suitable charitable bodies and homes that require assistance will be identified by the Community Service Committee and RCJB will provide necessary assistance as required under the Merdeka giving project.
On the International Service front, RCJB plans to provide assistance to the Sobbhana Women’s Foundation in Cambodia as in the past years.
RCJB will remain committed to continue supporting the Rotary Haemodialysis Project and the Palliative Care Association of Johor Baru. According to Vishwadeep both of these projects continue to provide excellent and much needed service to the community at large in the state.
He stressed that one of the core strengths of Rotary is fellowship, and this is one of the primary reasons why many new members join the club. “The club administration committee will strive to provide good and varied programs for its members and their partners.”
In such a way, he said this will not only strengthen the bonds between the club members but also fuel them to give their best back to the community through service.
He also clarified that RCJB would continue to assist needy students and provide them with necessary aid from time to time.
From literacy to the provision of water and health care, RCJB always work to better our country, and they stay committed to each of the projects they undertake.
Last year, the club arranged for a training programme for the members of Johor State Dengue Outbreak Action Committee. It was conducted for the purpose of ensuring that relevant government agencies are aware to know and use the IEM (Institution of Engineers Malaysia) guidelines on the effectiveness in controlling dengue.
Into its 72nd year, RCJB continues in serving humanity – where their members, leaders are problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, within the communities, and in themselves.
RCJB was inaugurated on June 27, 1952, and is said to be the first Rotary club in Johor and the second largest club in the district with a track record of many worthwhile social and humanitarian projects. The late Sultan Sir Ibrahim and members of the royal family graced the inaugural installation dinner.
Leave a Reply