Singapore Healthcare Kidney Disease
Kidney failure has been identified as a major health challenge globally; the Asia Pacific region has one of the highest rates of kidney failure. Singapore is among the ten countries with the highest incidences of treated end-stage kidney failure. Other Southeast Asian countries in the top ten countries include Thailand and Indonesia.
To improve disease management, Singapore has implemented the “Holistic Approach in Lowering and Tracking Chronic Kidney Disease” program across all public healthcare institutions. The program aims to prevent and slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity must be addressed and to date, over 87,000 patients have participated in this program.
A complement is the adoption of “Peritoneal Dialysis-preferred” (PD) approach to kidney disease management, which allows the patient to be dialyzed at home. This offers greater convenience, promotes self-empowerment, and maintains good outcomes. At present, hemodialysis remains the main method of kidney dialysis. The Singapore Ministry of Health is looking to increase the uptake of PD to 30% amongst new dialysis patients by 2025. An average of 5.5 patients are diagnosed daily with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Singapore, and it is projected that by 2035, about one-quarter of Singapore residents aged 21+ years are expected to have chronic kidney disease. Singapore also ranks first in the world for diabetes-induced kidney failure, according to the USRDS (United States Renal Data System) Annual report 2022. A key objective of the ISPD (International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis) is to increase the utilization of peritoneal dialysis around the world and improve the health outcome of these patients.
The Singapore Government’s efforts and commitment to tackle this growing public health issue is all part of the “Healthier SG” initiative. This is a major healthcare transformation strategy focused on preventive care. To this end, health screenings, vaccinations and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are encouraged.
U.S. companies who wish to learn more or have expertise, products or services that can help realize this goal and develop a supportive PD ecosystem in collaboration with government entities, payers, hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients, may contact Ms. Luanne Theseira at the U.S. Commercial Service, Singapore.