Shah alam: The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) will expand access to kidney care this year under a service expansion plan aimed at addressing the rising number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in the country. NKF board member Dr Sunita Bavanandan said efforts to strengthen CKD treatment and prevention require continuous commitment and close collaboration among stakeholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Sunita emphasized that CKD is a public health challenge that requires sustained action and a more comprehensive approach, including greater public awareness. She stated that NKF remains committed to expanding treatment access and strengthening patient support through a more systematic and sustainable approach. She made these remarks at the National-Level World Kidney Day 2026 celebration at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA).

Dr Sunita announced that NKF will establish four Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and CKD centres this year in high-demand areas, including Sabah and Sarawak. The expansion aims to ensure more equitable access to treatment for all patients, regardless of location. She highlighted the importance of ensuring dialysis services are accessible more equitably, regardless of geographical location.

Additionally, Dr Sunita noted that NKF will strengthen integrated treatment centres covering haemodialysis, PD training, and CKD counselling. The approach is aimed at improving the treatment ecosystem and enhancing patient management. She added that NKF will continue to promote PD as a more flexible and patient-friendly option, as it can be performed at home and helps improve patients' quality of life.

In a bid to focus on prevention, NKF is working towards early screening and risk detection among high-risk groups to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment at advanced stages. NKF plans to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN), and other strategic partners to expand community screening programmes. Dr Sunita explained that this collaboration will enable more structured interventions, including early referrals and continuous monitoring of high-risk groups.

Earlier at the event, Dr Sunita was joined by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin for the launch of the event.