The government allocates RM100 million for peritoneal dialysis, aiming for 50% of end-stage kidney patients to use this treatment in five years
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM100 million this year to strengthen peritoneal dialysis treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said this marks a significant increase from the RM40 million allocated in previous years.
He noted that about five million Malaysians, or 15.5% of the population, are currently affected by chronic kidney disease.
According to the latest national registry, there were 9,473 new end-stage kidney patients in 2024, bringing the total number of dialysis patients nationwide to 55,237.
Dr Dzulkefly explained that peritoneal dialysis involves inserting a solution into the patient’s abdominal cavity to filter blood.
He said haemodialysis, by contrast, filters blood through an external machine via a needle.
To promote peritoneal dialysis, the Ministry of Health implemented the Peritoneal Dialysis First policy in October 2022.
“This policy aims to ensure equitable, sustainable and patient-centred dialysis care,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
The initiative helps reduce the treatment access gap between urban facilities and rural communities, he added.
The ministry aims for 50% of end-stage kidney patients at its facilities to undergo peritoneal dialysis within five years.
This target represents an increase from the current utilisation rate of 42%.
Nationwide, the ministry targets 20% of all dialysis patients to receive peritoneal dialysis treatment by 2030.
According to the 2024 registry, 1,723 new patients started peritoneal dialysis last year.
This compares with 7,750 patients who began haemodialysis treatment during the same period.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted several challenges in expanding peritoneal dialysis use.
These include low patient literacy and limited basic facilities in interior areas.
Storage constraints at home and funding limitations also pose significant hurdles, he said.
The ministry has implemented initiatives to address these challenges.
These efforts include patient education, psychosocial support, and improvements to basic facilities.
The ministry is also strengthening the role of caregivers and communities while providing financial support through cross-agency collaboration.
