Dialysis for the needy: Are we on the right track?
Senior health correspondent Salma Khalik may have highlighted another gap in our health-care system, where critical life-saving treatments like dialysis have been left to voluntary welfare organisations and for-profit private entities to manage and provide (“No support, so no dialysis”; Monday).
Although the quality of dialysis care at the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Dialysis Foundation centres, which cover the majority of patients, meets world-class standards, the study by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital shows that we have still not achieved 100 per cent coverage.
Singapore has one of the best outcomes for dialysis and many patients survive for more than 20 years if they consistently follow their physicians’ recommendations.
Yes, transplant rates here are lower than in other nations, but this should not be a factor influencing access to and adoption of dialysis treatment.
Accessibility and affordability issues for dialysis are surprising, given that there are several dialysis centres on our small island and we have seen consistent growth in their numbers to cater to growing needs.
But there are some patients who choose not to start dialysis because they cannot afford it or lack family support.
This is a matter of concern. Are medical social service staff in hospitals doing their best to counsel and convince these patients to commence life-saving treatment? Many of these patients may be from the pioneer generation and should be given attention to ensure they do not forgo treatment.
Perhaps it is time to review if such critical treatments should be managed directly by the Health Ministry, to ensure that all patients are covered.
Source: Asia One
Published: 27 Feb 2014
