KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was visibly moved to tears yesterday after hearing a heartbreaking story shared by a member of parliament about dialysis patients in his constituency.
The MP spoke about patients who had decided to forgo treatment due to the overwhelming costs of both the procedure and transportation.
Dr Dzulkefly, at the start of his ministry's winding-up session for the 2025 Budget, appeared deeply affected by the gravity of the situation. His emotions were visible to those in the chamber.
"I listened to the debates of each MP, who raised issues from their respective constituencies… and every one of us listened to Tenom MP (Riduan Rubin), who shared with us that his people... (unable to speak)... decided to forgo dialysis treatment due to the charges and transportation costs.
"This... (unable to speak)... reminds me of my big responsibility as the health minister.."
Datuk Shahar Abdullah, who temporarily chaired the session, noticed Dr Dzulkefly's distress and suggested that he take a moment to drink some water to calm himself.
Tenom MP Riduan Rubin, in his debate, shared that he had received complaints from patients, stating that their welfare assistance had been revoked and they were now required to pay for dialysis treatment.
"I visited the hospital to gather more information on this issue and was informed by a nurse that this change occurred after the circular issued on Jan 14, 2022, by the Sabah State Health Department.
"The circular stated that recipients of welfare assistance are no longer eligible for exemption from daily treatment charges at Health Ministry hospitals, including those receiving dialysis treatment.
"Patients who receive RM200 a month in welfare assistance are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the costs, which include paying for dialysis three times a week as well as transportation.
"Some patients travel about 120 km, with a fare of RM40 for each session, amounting to RM120 per week.
"As a result, some patients have been unable to continue their treatment because they cannot afford the travel expenses and, tragically, have allowed themselves to deteriorate to the point of death."
"I urge the minister to review all exemptions from treatment charges and ensure that access to care and the right to treatment is guaranteed for the people."