In today’s Dewan Negara session, it was revealed that the Ministry of Health (KKM) covers nearly the entire cost of dialysis treatment for low-income patients, with subsidies reaching up to RM1,630.50 per month.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni explained that the subsidy applies to hemodialysis treatments conducted at 138 NGO-operated dialysis centers recognized by KKM, leaving patients to pay no more than RM10 per month.
“Patients receive RM100 subsidy per hemodialysis session, up to a maximum of 14 sessions per month, plus RM18.50 per erythropoietin injection, up to 13 injections per month. The total cost per patient is RM1,640.50, with the government covering RM1,630.50,” he said, responding to Senator Tan Sri Prof Dr Mohamed Haniffa Abdullah’s query.
The subsidy approval is valid for two years and can be renewed upon expiration. The senator had asked about KKM’s long-term plans to control rising dialysis costs, ease the burden on B40 patients, and optimize public funds.
Lukanisman noted that the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), driven by diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, continues to push up dialysis costs annually.
To tackle these challenges, KKM is implementing a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early detection, and community-level disease management. Efforts also include introducing kidney health education in schools and limiting over-the-counter medication that can harm kidney function.
The ministry is also strengthening the ‘Peritoneal Dialysis First’ (PD First) Policy to expand treatment access for rural patients. This method is more cost-effective, flexible, and can be done at home, reducing travel expenses.
“For instance, in Belaga, Sarawak, a patient may travel four hours to Bintulu for treatment. With PD First, dialysis can be done at home if clean water and suitable space are available. However, adoption remains low due to lack of incentives and infrastructure, so we welcome collaboration with private and NGO partners,” he said.
Lukanisman added that as of 2024, Malaysia has 55,237 dialysis patients, including 7,750 on hemodialysis and 1,723 on peritoneal dialysis. The government is also reviewing budget allocations to strengthen the PD First Policy.
Responding to a proposal by Senator Rosni Sohar to create a dedicated kidney institute similar to the National Heart Institute (IJN), Lukanisman noted that Malaysia already has the Institute of Nephrology and emphasized the importance of raising organ donation awareness to reduce the dialysis burden.
