Dato Omar Siddiq (centre) given a tour of the facilities at the foundation
With the number of end-stage kidney failure cases on the rise, the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia (NKF) has redoubled its efforts to educate communities about preventive measures, early detection, and effective management strategies to combat this silent epidemic.
Based on The National Renal Registry data, in 2022, 51,256 Malaysians suffered from end-stage kidney failure, and it is estimated that by 2040, this number will double.
Additionally, kidney disease now ranks among the top 10 causes of death in Malaysia, with diabetes and hypertension identified as primary risk factors.
“Despite advancements in medical technology, kidney disease remains a formidable challenge, affecting millions worldwide. In Malaysia alone, chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 7 Malaysians. This alarming increase in kidney disease cases highlights the pressing need for comprehensive awareness initiatives and robust support networks,” said Khor Xin Yun, Chief Executive Officer, NKF.
“NKF plays a pivotal role in providing crucial support services to kidney disease patients, including dialysis treatment. We are consistently looking for ways to improve our treatment capacity, efficiently cater to a growing patient demographic and to subsidise our patient’s dialysis treatments. That is why we are grateful to HSBC Malaysia for supporting us by providing us with a reverse osmosis water system, five dialysis machines and five Far Infrared Therapy (FIR) machines totalling more than RM400,000.
Acquiring this equipment has resulted in tangible improvements in accessibility, efficacy, and patient outcomes across multiple dialysis centres. This initiative exemplifies HSBC’s commitment to supporting the well-being of communities and fostering positive change in,” shared Khor.
An impact assessment conducted also reveals the significant benefits of these upgrades and additions to the healthcare infrastructure for NKF. “For instance, the RO Water System can support up to 18 dialysis machines, potentially facilitating up to 56,160 treatments over a period of 10 years. With the new dialysis machines, we can treat six patients per week per machine. This translates to a total of 10,920 treatments over the seven-year lifespan of each machine.
Additionally, the FIR therapy machines are projected to benefit approximately 250 patients. These machines play a crucial role in enhancing treatment outcomes and patient well-being, further underscoring the positive impact the donation,” she added.
Dato’ Omar Siddiq, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Malaysia said, “Given the escalating numbers of kidney disease in Malaysia, there needs to be a concerted effort from all stakeholders to foster a culture of awareness and prevention to reduce kidney disease. As HSBC Malaysia celebrates its 140-year anniversary in Malaysia this year, we are reminded of the individuals and communities that we have had the privilege to serve and that by working collaboratively together we can effect meaningful change that can enhance and bolster community awareness and health; our contribution is a small step to help alleviate the impact of kidney disease on individuals and communities.”
“We want to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Government and organisations such as the NKF in doing so much and so tirelessly to help those impacted by chronic kidney disease”. he added.