The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) has pledged close to RM1 million to provide for their patients subsistence during the economically challenging period.
The leading non-profit organisation has been providing subsidised dialysis treatments in Malaysia for over 30 years. NKF is now taking another huge step − going above its call of duty for kidney health − by providing a major one-off financial assistance to its patients for their daily living needs.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the cost of living and it has not spared anyone, including our dialysis patients who are generally from the lower income group,” the Foundation said.
“At NKF, the welfare of patients − physically and psychologically − is of paramount importance. As part of our
commitment to holistic care, we are providing this financial assistance to give our patients a lifeline throughout this pandemic and movement control order (MCO) for food and other daily necessities,” Dr Zaki Morad Mohamad Zaher, chairman of NKF Malaysia.
The foundation’s 27 dialysis centres nationwide currently have 1712 patients and the financial assistance with an allocation of RM600 for each eligible patient will be channelled in two payments of RM300 in May and June 2020.
Kidney patients on dialysis are dependent on a four-hour treatment, hooked to a dialysis machine, three times a week for the rest of their lives.
According to NKF, often patients are initially traumatised when they find out that they have end-stage kidney failure, and that to survive, they need continuous dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant.
“So, it is crucial they have access to affordable dialysis treatment in a caring environment.”
“Amid such tough circumstances, dialysis patients can certainly do with more tender loving care and hope. At NKF, we are serious in assisting our patients in this time of need and we will ensure that the financial assistance totalling almost RM1 million will be distributed prudently in aid of their welfare,”Zaki added.
