Bangkalan Regency Expands Dialysis Facilities

The Bangkalan Regency Government of East Java has expanded dialysis facilities at Syarifah Ambami Rato Ebuh District General Hospital (Syamrabu) to enhance healthcare services for residents. Bangkalan Regent Lukman Hakim stated during the official opening of the new dialysis unit at Building B, second floor, that the addition would make dialysis services more accessible. The number of dialysis machines has increased from 14 to 21 units. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Regent Lukman Hakim, Deputy Regent Fauzan Ja’far, Hospital Director Farhat Surya Ningrat, Regency Secretary Ismet Efendi, representatives from the Health Department and BPJS Kesehatan Madura. Following the ceremony, Lukman inspected patients undergoing dialysis and gathered feedback on hospital services. Several patients reported undergoing dialysis for five to ten years, with some starting as young as 22. Specialist physician Rosidah Fajariya noted that dialysis patients were previously mostly over 40 due to diabetes and hypertension, but younger cases are now increasing. She attributed this to unhealthy lifestyles, including lack of exercise and poor diet, leading to kidney issues requiring dialysis. Tawada Healthcare Regional Manager Joko Waloyo said the new facilities are expected to reduce waiting times, enabling three-shift operations for dialysis services.