Mdm Hakimah has been undergoing dialysis for the past two years. She goes for her treatment three times a week in the evenings after she finishes work, for four hours each session. This single parent with a daughter finds it extremely tiring to do so.
“There is nothing I can do. No matter what, I still need to come for treatment. Sometimes my daughter will not be able to accompany me as she is busy with school. So I have to go alone. People sometimes see us kidney patients as normal, but in actual fact, after dialysis, we feel tired and dizzy. There are times I feel like collapsing and afraid to take public transport home. So I take a cab,” says Mdm Hakimah.
Working as a clerk and earning $2,000 monthly, she says that the subsidy for treatment is a welcome relief. Previously, after deducting from Medisave, she had to spend around $400 in cash. With the subsidy, this has been reduced to only $200.
“The additional subsidies will help me with my transport costs to and from the dialysis centre. It also gives me greater peace of mind amidst the uncertain economic times.”
Mdm Hakimah not only has kidney failure, she also suffers from diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. She also underwent a surgery to remove her ovaries. This year, she had two minor heart attacks and has a pacemaker implanted in her.
“Fortunately, my employers are very understanding. Many companies have started to lay off employees during the Covid-19 period. I am very worried I would be asked to leave too because of the sick leave I have been taking. Thank goodness, so far, they understand my situation.”
“The additional subsidies will help me with my transport costs to and from the dialysis centre. It also gives me greater peace of mind amidst the uncertain economic times.”
– Mdm Hakimah Yusof, who is grateful for the higher subsidies
More subsidies to better support 40% of patients
There are currently about 1,750 of NKF’s 3,800 haemodialysis patients paying $0 every month for dialysis out-of-pocket.
Since 1 July 2020, we have been able to further alleviate the financial stress of another 1,500 patients by providing higher subsidies for dialysis and medication, which translates to substantial cost savings of up to $2,688 yearly to tide them through the economic uncertainties.
One patient who is benefitting from the higher subsidies is 49-year-old Mdm Hakimah Yusof.
Make a difference and support our patients