NKF To Expand Kidney Care Access Amid Rising CKD Cases

SHAH ALAM, April 12 (Bernama) -- The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) will expand access to kidney care this year under a service expansion plan aimed at addressing the rising number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in the country.

NKF board member Dr Sunita Bavanandan said efforts to strengthen CKD treatment and prevention require continuous commitment and close collaboration among stakeholders.

“CKD is a public health challenge that requires sustained action and a more comprehensive approach, including greater public awareness.

“NKF remains committed to expanding treatment access and strengthening patient support through a more systematic and sustainable approach,” she said at the National-Level World Kidney Day 2026 celebration at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) here today.

She said NKF will establish four Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and CKD centres this year in high-demand areas, including Sabah and Sarawak.

The expansion aims to ensure more equitable access to treatment for all patients, regardless of location.

“This is important to ensure dialysis services are accessible more equitably, regardless of geographical location,” she said.

Dr Sunita added that NKF will also strengthen integrated treatment centres covering haemodialysis, PD training and CKD counselling.

She said the approach is aimed at improving the treatment ecosystem and enhancing patient management.

She added that NKF will continue to promote PD as a more flexible and patient-friendly option, as it can be performed at home and helps improve patients’ quality of life.

In addition, NKF is focusing on prevention through early screening and risk detection among high-risk groups to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment at advanced stages.

In this regard, NKF will strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN) and other strategic partners to expand community screening programmes.

“This collaboration will enable more structured interventions, including early referrals and continuous monitoring of high-risk groups,” she said.

Earlier, Dr Sunita was present with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin at the launch of the event here today.

-- BERNAMA