Changing the Dialysis Story in Malaysia
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently amplified its commitment to peritoneal dialysis (PD), backed by increased funding, explicit targets, and a strategic policy framework. This aligns with the “PD First” policy, which was implemented by MOH in October 2022 to make PD the primary modality for suitable patients.
In January 2026, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has recently reinforced its commitment to expanding PD services as part of the national strategy to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney failure (ESKD). He had announced a budget allocation of RM100 million in the national health budget for 2026 to strengthen PD services nationwide — this is a marked increase from previous allocations of around RM40 million.
The emphasis on PD reflects several health care priorities:
▪️Equity in access: PD can reduce barriers for patients in rural and remote areas, where access to dialysis centres is limited.
▪️Patient-centred care: PD allows patients greater flexibility and can support continued productivity and quality of life, especially for working individuals.
▪️Cost-effectiveness: PD can be less resource-intensive over time compared with in-centre haemodialysis for some patient groups.
The Ministry has set specific targets tied to the PD strategy, with the support from Malaysian Society of Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation including:
▪️50% of eligible end-stage kidney patients receiving PD at MOH facilities within the next five years (up from current adoption rates, which are around 42% in public facilities).
▪️A 20% nationwide target of all dialysis patients (including private sector) on PD by 2030.
The shift towards a PD-first approach aims to enhance access, promote patient autonomy, and optimise the health system’s response to the rising prevalence of end-stage kidney disease. While challenges remain — including awareness, infrastructure, and logistics — the government’s plan represents a key public health effort to improve kidney care and patient outcomes nationwide. To address these, MOH has indicated plans for patient education, psychosocial support, improving basic infrastructure, and enhancing the role of caregivers and communities in supporting PD patients.
We would like to thank ISPD President, Professor Rajnish Mehrotra and Professor Edwina Brown for their continuous support and being present during our discussion with the Health Minister in September 2025 during the APCM-ISPD congress in Kuala Lumpur.