The government has allocated RM100 million this year to boost peritoneal dialysis treatment, aiming for 50% of eligible patients to use it within 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 said this marks a significant increase from the RM40 million allocated in previous years.
He revealed that about five million Malaysians, or 15.5% of the population, are currently affected by chronic kidney disease.
According to the latest registry report, there were 9,473 new end-stage kidney failure patients last year, bringing the total number of dialysis patients nationwide to 55,237.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a question on the implementation of peritoneal dialysis as a main treatment alternative during the Dewan Rakyat’s Special Chamber session.
He explained that peritoneal dialysis involves inserting a solution into the patient’s abdominal cavity to filter blood.
To promote its use, the Ministry of Health implemented the Peritoneal Dialysis First policy in October 2022.
“The objective of this policy is to ensure equitable, sustainable and patient-centred dialysis care,” he said.
The initiative aims to reduce the treatment access gap between urban facilities and rural communities.
The ministry aims for 50% of eligible patients at its facilities to undergo peritoneal dialysis within the next five years, up from the current 42%.
It also targets 20% of all dialysis patients nationwide, including those in the private sector, to receive the treatment by 2030.
According to the 2024 registry, 1,723 new patients started peritoneal dialysis last year, compared with 7,750 who began hemodialysis.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted challenges including low patient literacy and limited facilities in interior areas.
Other obstacles include storage constraints at home and funding limitations.
To address these, the ministry has implemented initiatives including patient education and psychosocial support.
It is also improving basic facilities and strengthening the role of caregivers and communities.
Financial support is being provided through cross-agency collaboration.
