Under the guidance of Master Cheng Yen, Malaysian Tzu-Chi volunteers devote themselves wholeheartedly to serving the poor regardless of racial or religious boundaries. In reaching out to the needy in local communities, Tzu-Chi Malaysia branch came to realize that illness is commonly the root of poverty. Especially, for some Tzu-Chi relief recipients who are afflicted with kidney failure. The costly medical expenses for the disease, coupled with inadequate dialysis facilities, not only worsened their conditions but also leave them feeling hopeless while their lives fade away. Recognizing the needs of this sector of the society, Tzu-Chi Malaysia decided to set up a dialysis center in Penang. In addition to relieving the patients suffering by providing a professional treatment facility with great love and care, the Tzu-Chi members hope the establishment of the dialysis center can provide an oppurtunity for other good samaritans to join Tzu-Chi's life-saving medical missions.

The Dialysis Center

DESIGN
The Txu-Chi Dialysis Center, situated to the east of Penang, is carefully designed to create a homely atmosphere. It includes the following functional areas: diagnosis room, emergency room, meeting room, reception area, lobby, cafereria, kitchen, worship hall, social service department, and dialysis unit. The dialysis unit is further divided into dialysis system area, bathroom, and nursing station.

SERVICES
Currently, the dialysis center provides services to low-income families and the elderly without caretakers. Most patients apply for services themselves, but are referred by others. In the dialysis center, patients can receive not only quality medical care but also thoughtfully prepared vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch. Social workers also visit patients at home as needed.

STAFF
The center staff includes nurses, nurse assistants, social workers, drivers, administrators and volunteer doctors working in shifts. What distinguishes the dialysis center from other similar institutions is Tzu-Chi's volunteer service, which is the core of daily operation. Every day there are Tzu-Chi volunteers working in shifts on various tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning and patient support. The volunteers always strive to alleviate the patients' discomfort with sincerity and consideration.

FINANCE
In the face of tremendous dialysis expenses, the center relies on Tzu-Chi commissioners to raise funds through fundraising events and recycling, a routine activity by Tzu-Chi volunteers as part of their community service work. Presently proceeds raised from recycling constitutes the center's major source of income. Over the years, Tzu-Chi members have recycled thousands of newspaper, clothes and cans to help maintain the dialysis center as well as conserve the environment.