SPEECH BY MR TAN KIAT HOW, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE, MDDI & MOH, AT THE OPENING OF THE SATA COMMHEALTH DIALYSIS CENTRE

Mr Tan Boon Gin, Chairman of SATA CommHealth,

Esteemed Members of the Board of Directors of SATA CommHealth,

Dr Kelvin Phua, Chief Executive Officer of SATA CommHealth,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr and Mrs Goh

1         I am delighted to join all of you here today at the official opening of the SATA CommHealth Dialysis Centre here at Fernvale. This represents a milestone for SATA CommHealth in providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare.

Addressing a growing public health challenge

2         Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a growing health concern in Singapore. CKD is a long-term condition involving gradual loss of kidney function, usually due to risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If not well controlled, CKD may result in kidney failure. Today, more than 7,900 patients with kidney failure in Singapore are undergoing haemodialysis, and this number is set to increase with our ageing population. This underscores the importance of raising public awareness to prevent CKD, slow the progression of CKD to kidney failure, and ensure accessible and sustainable dialysis services for those with kidney failure.

The importance of early detection and prevention

3         As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and it starts with our everyday actions. The simple steps we take daily, such as choosing 'siu dai' at our local coffee shop or opting for less sodium in our meals, can keep us off the chronic disease pathway altogether.

4         The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) have implemented a series of efforts to tackle the risk factors of CKD, such as diabetes and hypertension. As an unhealthy diet is a risk factor for diabetes and hypertension, we have gone further upstream to promote healthier lifestyles and diets by reducing excessive intake of sugar, sodium and saturated fat, and we have taken steps to tackle excessive sugar consumption through the mandatory Nutri-Grade labelling and the prohibition of advertisements for high-sugar beverages. To this end, we will be extending similar measures to address the main sources of sodium and saturated fat in retail settings.

5         However, like many chronic conditions, CKD progresses silently and can occur concurrently with other chronic conditions. If left untreated, it can progress to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a stage where the kidneys can no longer function on their own, making dialysis or kidney transplantation necessary. This makes early detection and management critical, which is why under Healthier SG, an annual kidney assessment is mandatory as part of recommended care for enrolees with diabetes and hypertension.

6         SATA CommHealth operates eight Healthier SG clinics in Singapore, caring for enrolees with chronic conditions such as diabetes and CKD. With the launch of the CKD care protocol in January 2025, such patients can also be ensured that consistent and quality care is delivered across primary care providers.

 Ensuring accessible dialysis services

7         Prevention and early detection form the foundation of kidney health. However, for individuals who require treatment, ensuring that dialysis services are both accessible and affordable remains a key priority. MOH has adopted a peritoneal dialysis or PD-preferred strategy to disease management. PD can be done at the patient’s home, offering greater convenience, normalcy in life, while maintaining good outcomes.

8         And we have been working with the public hospitals and social service organisations to recommend PD as the preferred dialysis option for patients with kidney failure, unless they are medically unsuitable. In April 2022, we launched the National PD Home Support Programme to improve access to home visits for PD patients and help patients and their caregivers confidently perform PD at home. And we will continue to work with all stakeholders to encourage more patients to choose PD.   

9         For those who are medically unsuitable for PD, it is important to ensure timely and convenient access to haemodialysis (HD) close to patients’ homes. Each dialysis session typically lasts three to four hours and is needed thrice a week, meaning patients spend at least nine to twelve hours per week receiving treatment, and more after factoring in travel time to and from the centres, as well as preparation time and recovery periods. These are significant amount of time for patients and their caregivers, and it adds a lot of stress to them and their families.

10       For many patients, particularly the elderly or those with mobility challenges, travelling long distances for treatment becomes a significant burden. It affects not just the patients themselves, but their entire support network. Family members often need to take time off work to provide transport, caregivers must coordinate complex schedules, and the physical and emotional toll of lengthy journeys can compound the stress of managing chronic conditions. And I have seen it personally for many of my elderly residents, it adds an additional amount of stress – physically, emotionally. And for them, they care about their family members. Many times their children or grandchildren have to take time off work to care for them during their treatments and sending them to and fro for their treatments. It is very stressful.

11       So when dialysis centres are situated within the community, patients can maintain more of their normal routines. They can continue to work, spend quality time with their family, and preserve their independence. This alleviates the burden of navigating demanding treatment schedules, allowing patients to concentrate on living well.

12       The new SATA CommHealth Dialysis Centre is therefore a welcome and timely addition to our healthcare landscape. Purpose-built to meet the rising demand for renal care, the centre currently operates 15 dialysis stations and once fully operational, can accommodate a total of 25 dialysis stations to serve approximately 140 patients, offering both haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration services.

13       And SATA has shared with me that many of its dialysis patients and their caregivers are grateful to have the centre near their homes. One patient’s sister, who is his caregiver, expressed her relief and appreciation when he was referred to this dialysis centre – just a few blocks away from their home. The close distance means that she no longer needs to make transport arrangements, as they are now close enough for her wheelchair-bound brother to make the trip to the centre on his own. This proximity transforms what was once a logistical challenge into a manageable routine.

Ensuring affordable dialysis services

14       Beyond physical accessibility, dialysis care must also be affordable. SATA CommHealth has a proud history of serving the community for over 78 years, and has remained steadfast in its mission to care for those in need – especially the underserved and the vulnerable.

15       SATA CommHealth held a charity fundraising dinner in August in support of this cause, and as part of its ongoing efforts, it has continued to run online campaigns to help ease patients’ financial burden. Hence, this new dialysis centre represents not just an expansion of its services, but a reaffirmation of that mission: to deliver care that is not only accessible, affordable, but also compassionate.

16       At the same time, the government will continue to support and keep dialysis affordable for patients through subsidies. We recently raised the MediShield Life claim limits for dialysis from $1,100 to $1,750 in April this year, following the MediShield Life 2024 review. These limits can be used for both PD and HD. We will also enhance subsidies for dialysis from July 2026, as announced at Budget 2025. Through strong partnership between the Government and community partners like SATA, we can ensure dialysis patients receive the care and support that they need.

Looking Ahead

17       So as we continue to address the rising burden of chronic diseases, community-based care models like this will play an increasingly vital role. We need early screening, stronger preventive health measures, and seamless integration between hospitals, primary care, and community providers.

18       And MOH will continue to work closely with partners like SATA CommHealth to ensure that Singaporeans can live well and age well, with care that is close to their homes and centred around their needs.

Closing

19       On that note, let me once again congratulate SATA CommHealth on this important milestone. I look forward to seeing how this centre will make a real difference – not just in treating CKD, but in giving patients the support and dignity that they deserve. So once again, give a round of applause. Congratulations on your new dialysis centre.