Number of kidney patients to reach 20,000 in two years

NST: The number of people suffering from kidney diseases is expected to reach 20,000 within the next two years.
National Kidney Foundation board of managers chairman, Dr S.S. Gill, said that currently, there are about 15,000 patients on dialysis treatment and the number is increasing by 15 per cent or 2,500 annually.
The increase in the number of patients will also see rising demand for trained nurses and technicians at dialysis centres.
At present, there are about 1,200 trained technicians and staff nurses at 392 dialysis centres nationwide.
Dr Gill said that NKF is prepared to assist the Government in ensuring there are sufficient trained staff to meet demand.
"We are prepared to help the Health Ministry by providing training at dialysis centres run by NGOs," he said after the official opening of the Fourth Annual Dialysis Meeting in Batu Ferringhi here today.
The meeting was officiated by Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ng Fook On, who represented the State government.
Dr Gill said NKF has trained 125 technicians and 40 staff nurses since 2003.