The Persatuan Kebajikan Haemodialisis St. Anne (PKHSA), Bukit Mertajam, Penang, with the tagline ‘We are Lifeline to Kidney Patients’, on 11 January 2025, hosted a heartfelt appreciation and thanksgiving dinner to honour the contribution, dedication and hard work of everyone who has provided in one way or another to the success of PKHSA. The event, held at a local hotel was attended by His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang who is also the Patron of the centre.
The dinner commenced with the ‘yee sang’ a traditional Chinese New Year dish, also known as the Prosperity Toss. During the ‘lou sang’, guests used chopsticks to toss a dish of raw fish, shredded vegetables, and a variety of sauces and condiments, each imbued with auspicious meanings, into the air while chanting auspicious phrases. This joyous and interactive tradition not only celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year but also fosters a spirit of hope and unity.
Cardinal Sebastian thanked Spiritual Advisor Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Chairman Paul Liew and Board Members of PKHSA, Deacon Lazarus Jonathan for Minor Basilica of St. Anne, Dr. Siew Goh Chung, Dr Lim Wei Han, Doctors and Nurses, the Administrator James Tan and Staff, Sister Mercie Lai – Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), Mr. Thoo Kun Fatt Chairman of PWRM Dialysis Centre, Benefactors, Donors, and Contractors for their unwavering support and continued efforts in giving hope to the sick
Cardinal Sebastian said this year is particularly special as the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope where we are all journeying as Pilgrims of Hope. The PKHSA embodies this spirit of hope, providing comfort and support and hope to patients every day. The PKHSA being a Catholic run dialysis center, embodies the spirit of St. Anne in proclaiming the social dimension of the Gospel. The preaching of the Gospel involves works of charity and healing the sick.
Msgr. Henry Rajoo informed the guests that PKHSA was established on 9th August 2002 with 6 dialysis machine and 1 patient. Today there are 18 dialysis machines serving 35 patients. Renal sickness is on the rise in Malaysia, and future plans include increasing the number receiving treatment to 54 patients. The centre also provides free and subsidised treatment to poor renal patients. PKHSA has monthly expenses of around RM100K with costs partly covered by the Catholic Diocese of Penang, public donations, fundraising activities and member contributions.
Chairman Paul Liew informed that the centre has also introduced the Patient Adoption Scheme where donor parishes of the diocese, organizations or individuals can support patient treatment with a monthly contribution of RM1,500 which covers the yearly treatment of RM18K for each renal patient.
May the Pilgrims of Hope, be a beacon of God’s mercy in our world where ‘Spes Non Confundit / Hope Does Not Disappoint’ (Rom 5:5).
For more information, please visit the website or contact James Tan at +604-537 0225 or email pkhstanne@yahoo.com.
By Christopher Kushi
