SHAH ALAM: Access to kidney care will be expanded this year aimed at addressing the rising number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in the country, says the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF).
NKF board member Dr Sunita Bavanandan said four Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and CKD centres will be set up this year in high- demand areas, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is important to ensure dialysis services are accessible more equitably, regardless of geographical location,” she said at the National-Level World Kidney Day 2026 celebration yesterday.
She said that CKD is a public health challenge that requires sustained action and a more comprehensive approach.
“NKF remains committed to expanding treatment access and strengthening patient support through a more systematic and sustainable approach,” she said.
Dr Sunita also said NKF will strengthen integrated treatment centres covering haemodialysis, PD training and CKD counselling.
The approach is aimed at improving the treatment ecosystem and enhancing patient management, she added.
Besides this, she said PD will also be promoted as a more flexible and patient-friendly option, as it can be performed at home.
Dr Sunita said that NKF is also focusing on prevention through early screening and risk detection among high-risk groups.
In this regard, NKF will strengthen collaboration with the Health Ministry, 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.
