Singapore Government Press Release

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I am happy to be with you at this inauguration ceremony of the second dialysis centre of the Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF).

The KDF was established in February last year. Within a short period of time, you have set up one dialysis centre at Alexandra Hospital providing care for about 97 needy patients. It will serve 120 patients by early next year.

The opening of this second centre is timely. As the Tan Tock Seng Hospital will close its dialysis unit by December this year, all its patients will be transferred to this new centre. By the end of this year, this centre will have at least 60 patients.

I commend Dr Gordon Ku, Chairman of the KDF, the members of Medical Advisory Board and Board of Directors and the many voluntary kidney specialists for their collective service to the community.

The Government together with voluntary organisations will continue to ensure that all Singaporeans have access to quality and affordable health care. The KDF was set up with the support of the Ministry of Health. It is the second charitable organisation in Singapore to provide haemodialysis treatment to needy patients with end-stage kidney disease. About 96% of the patients pay only $715 or less per month. Of these, about 52% pay only $130 to $455 compared with the full cost of $1,950 per month. The high subsidy for these patients is shared between the KDF and Government. Quality is not compromised as KDF enlists the assistance of local kidney specialists, both from the private and public sectors.

The KDF also raises funds from the community through various fund-raising projects. I commend the Chairmen and members of the Citizens' Consultative Committees and Residents' Committees of Bishan for assisting KDF in raising funds among the residents of Bishan.

The Singapore Government has always advocated the "many helping hand" approach in looking after the needy. For Singapore to be a caring society, Singaporeans must be genuinely concerned with the welfare of fellow citizens, especially the less fortunate. Looking after the poor and needy cannot be the responsibility of the Government or a few individuals alone. The entire nation will benefit if everyone plays a part. This will strengthen the bond among Singaporeans and make the nation more cohesive and stronger.

I am happy to learn that the KDF will launch a series of educational programmes in its effort to enhance public awareness of issues pertaining to kidney diseases.

Finally, I would also like to thank all donors for their generous contributions to the KDF and all those who are helping to organise the Charity Dinner cum Variety Show tomorrow. I wish the KDF continued success.

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