The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) today (July 6) announced the grand opening of the new SOCSO Klang Office, which includes the operation of the first-ever SOCSO Dialysis Center in Klang.
The establishment of this center aims to provide accessible dialysis treatment to Insured Persons, while ensuring the sustainability of the SOCSO social security fund.
The primary objective of the SOCSO Dialysis Center is not to compete with existing dialysis facilities, but rather to address the escalating costs borne by SOCSO each year.
By having its own facility, SOCSO can significantly reduce expenses associated with dialysis treatment, which have surged from 1.12 million ringgit in 1999 to 334.67 million ringgit in 2022. It is projected that these costs will exceed 0.5 billion ringgit within the next decade.
Currently, SOCSO is expected to spend 145.3 million ringgit on financing dialysis treatment facilities, with this figure anticipated to rise in the future. The organisation receives approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new applications for dialysis facilities each year.
The establishment of the SOCSO Dialysis Center represents a proactive step towards optimising expenditure, enabling funds to be redirected to benefit Insured Persons through other avenues. It is important to note that the center is not profit-oriented, emphasising its commitment to alleviating the burden on patients.
The SOCSO Dialysis Center will coexist harmoniously with over 700 panel dialysis centers managed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private bodies. This collaborative approach ensures that more Malaysians with kidney problems can access the vital dialysis treatment they require.
In light of the rising number of Malaysians requiring dialysis treatment, estimated at 9,000 individuals annually, the Minister of Human Resources urges all eligible workers to take advantage of the free health screening provided by SOCSO.
The Health Screening Program (HSP) 3.0 offers comprehensive health checks, enabling the early detection and timely treatment of diseases to prevent them from worsening into life-threatening conditions. Coupled with consistent adherence to a healthy lifestyle, these screenings play a vital role in preserving individuals’ well-being.
A detailed analysis of SOCSO’s Health Screening Program for 2022 reveals significant health concerns among workers. Obesity affects 42 percent of workers, while 14.1 percent have diabetes, 27.9 percent have high blood pressure, and 61.2 percent experience high cholesterol issues.
The prevalence of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) underscores the imperative of prioritising preventative measures to safeguard individuals and their families from the physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with chronic illnesses.
The Minister of Human Resources emphasises the crucial role of cultivating a culture of healthy living in mitigating the incidence of NCDs. Through individuals’ attitudes, practices, and self-discipline, many NCDs can be avoided entirely.
Therefore, SOCSO contributors aged between 40 and 59 are strongly encouraged to avail themselves of the free health screenings offered through HSP 3.0, providing them with valuable insights into their current health status.
