KUALA LUMPUR: A surge in kidney patients needing dialysis treatment is expected this year, following historical trends, according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Sim revealed that the Social Security Organisation (Socso) may see its spending on dialysis treatment exceed RM400mil in 2025, compared to over RM350mil in 2024.
"Socso’s dialysis expenditure has risen from RM1.12 million in 1999 to over RM350 million today," said Sim during the launch of the Socso Kuala Lumpur dialysis centre at the organisation’s building on Thursday (Jan 17).
"To date, more than 19,000 recipients have benefited from Socso’s dialysis facilities, compared to fewer than 100 people in 1999.
"The Kuala Lumpur Dialysis Centre is expected to cater to the increasing demand," he added.
Socso has established its fifth dialysis centre to manage a 16% annual rise in kidney patients, he said.
According to Sim, an average of 2,550 insured individuals under Socso require dialysis treatment annually.
The Kuala Lumpur facility, operational since November, features six dialysis machines serving 18 patients across three daily sessions.
Sim shared that Socso has applied to the Health Ministry to add 12 more machines to the centre, which can accommodate up to 37 machines, benefiting 222 patients.
"This expansion aligns with our goal of providing affordable, high-quality care to our contributors," he said, adding that plans are underway to open more centres nationwide.
Also present at the event were Socso Board Chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Socso Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Subahan, in his speech, highlighted the broader health challenges facing the country due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease.
"Based on the Health Screening Programme analysis by Socso up to December 2024, 23.15% of employees were found to be obese, 19.39% had diabetes, 19.66% suffered from hypertension, and 59.75% had high cholesterol.
Additionally, 0.38% of those screened were diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease," Subahan said.
He emphasised the financial and systemic impact of these conditions, not only on affected individuals but also on the national healthcare and economic systems.
"Socso remains committed to helping contributors with kidney disease through the establishment of our own dialysis centres, offering private-sector quality treatment at affordable costs.
"While expenses are projected to exceed RM500mil by 2030, this strategic initiative significantly alleviates the financial burden on insured persons," Subahan said.
He added that the centres also provide transport services to ensure patients can continue treatment without obstacles.
As part of its ongoing efforts, he said Socso is exploring innovative ways to encourage more Malaysians to register and benefit from its healthcare contributions.
