KUALA LUMPUR, 27 January 2026 – Imagine a father supporting his family of five when sudden kidney failure strikes. With no dialysis chairs available and sessions costing up to RM250 each, his health deteriorates rapidly.
This is the stark reality for over 51,000 Malaysians on dialysis today according to the National Renal Registry and the Ministry of Health, with approximately 10,000 new cases annually - 80% driven by diabetes and hypertension - and nearly 50% of patients unable to work after one year.
In light of this, Maaedicare Charitable Foundation is tackling this crisis head-on by subsidising dialysis treatment for 100 new, low-income Malaysian patients from B40 households. The initiative runs from February 2026.
Ms. Anne Rajasaikaran, Chief Executive Officer of Maaedicare Charitable Foundation said kidney failure doesn't just attack the body—it tears families apart when money runs dry.
“We've seen mothers skip dialysis to feed their children and fathers lose everything as poisons build up. We are offering 100 new patients - immediate lifeline. They will receive - 14 dialysis sessions monthly, for a year at subsidised amounts based on their household income levels - at our 11 Maaedicare Charity Dialysis Centres across the country. All they have to do is contact us via WhatsApp.
“While the government support sustains long-term patients, new patients face long waits, high private costs (RM250+/session), and job losses. With our program, Maaedicare steps in where the system cracks—giving new patients immediate access so no Malaysian family chooses between survival and their next meal,’’ she said.
Anne Rajasaikaran also warned of the stakes and highlighted early intervention’s impact.
“Based on the 2018 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 15.5% of Malaysian adults—roughly 5 million people—live with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“A UKM-led study published in PLOS ONE (2024) found that nearly half of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease in Malaysia are unemployed due to the disease’s burden.
“Meanwhile, the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) dialysis spending surged 274-fold—from RM1.22 million in 1999 to RM334.67 million in 2022, according to the Galen Centre. Additionally, Ministry of Health officials noted that 30% of kidney failure patients in the country are under the age of 45. This trend is driven largely by the rising rates of early-onset diabetes and hypertension.
“That's why our subsidy program bridges this life-or-death gap,” she emphasised.
Maaedicare invites partners to collaborate on nutrition guidance, cardiac screenings, and counselling. Families needing assistance and more information, may reach out to the Maaedicare team via WhatsApp at 010-243 1830.
This content is provided by Maaedicare Charitable Foundation
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