Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF) Millennium Ride 2015 Closing Ceremony, 26 Jan 2015

Dr Gordon Ku, Chairman of KDF,

Mr Watson Ong, Chairman of Fundraising Committee of KDF,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening to all of you.

1.    It is my pleasure to be here at the KDF Millennium Ride 2015 Closing Ceremony to honour the efforts of the EPIC Cyclist Group to raise funds for dialysis patients.

2.    The EPIC Cyclist Group has trained hard for several months, I was told, and braved harsh weather conditions and covered a total of 1000km over three countries in just four days. This is certainly not an easy task and they have made it! Let’s give them a round of applause again.

Burden of Chronic Kidney Diseases and End-stage Renal Diseases

3.    Kidney diseases are an increasing global health issue and the worldwide prevalence of such chronic kidney diseases is estimated to be between 8 to 16%.[1] These patients would potentially develop End-Stage Renal Diseases, known as ESRD in short, and eventually require either a kidney transplant or dialysis to prolong their lives.

4.    In Singapore, the age standardised rate of new patients with ESRD increased from 193.4 in year 1999 to 299.2 per million population in year 2013[2].

Preventive Measures

5.    Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure.  Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and smoking are known risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. By leading a healthier lifestyle, like having a balanced diet, exercising regularly and not smoking, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing these diseases.

6.    Timely diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions can also delay the development of downstream complications including kidney failure. Therein lies the importance of going for regular check-ups. Currently, adults aged 40 years and above are encouraged to attend regular health screenings and undergo appropriate follow up actions after the screenings. The Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s Screen for Life Programme is available at participating Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics. Health screening has also been made more affordable. Recommended screening tests are free for Singaporeans who are on the CHAS, with subsidies of up to $18.50 for GP consultations related to health screenings, up to two visits a year.

7.    For those with pre-existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, they should also work closely with their doctors to better manage their conditions through medication and lifestyle modifications.

8.    My ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the public, private and people sectors to encourage Singaporeans to adopt healthy lifestyles in the fight against chronic diseases.

KDF’s Efforts

9.    In this regard, I am glad that Voluntary Welfare Organisations such as KDF have taken the initiative to extend assistance and support to needy kidney patients in Singapore.

10.    KDF operates three haemodialysis centres and one peritoneal dialysis centre in the community. I am happy that KDF has taken a further step by extending itself to provide public education and public engagement. These include public health talks, hosting visits from schools as well as publishing a range of health brochures that are available at KDF’s dialysis centres, private clinics and hospitals.

11.    In addition, KDF has been working closely with the National University of Singapore on research efforts to target the disease upstream and to look for a safe and efficient strategy to treat diabetes. KDF’s efforts are indeed commendable.

Conclusion

12.    Let me conclude by thanking VWOs like KDF and volunteers like the EPIC Cyclist Group for your efforts to lend a helping hand to the more vulnerable and needy in our midst.

13.    On this note, I wish KDF all the best in your community efforts. Thank you.
 

[1] Source: Jha, V, Garcia-Garcia, G, Iseki, K, Li, Z, Naicker, S, Plattner, B, Saran, R, Wang, A Y-M & Yang, C-W 2013, ‘Chronic kidney disease: global dimension and perspectives’, Lancet, vol. 382, pp. 260 – 272.

[2] Source: Singapore Renal Registry Annual Registry Report 1999 – 2013 (Preliminary). https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/Publications---Kidney-Failure/singapore-renal-registry-annual-registry-report-1999-2013-preliminary.pdf?sfvrsn=0