Collaborating with Nephrologists to Implement Peritoneal Dialysis-first Policy and Measures to Accelerate Adoption

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will collaborate with nephrologists to implement a “peritoneal dialysis-first” policy for clinically suitable patients, discouraging premature arteriovenous fistula creations for haemodialysis; and (b) whether the Ministry will introduce targeted financial or operational incentives for hospitals and patients to accelerate the adoption of peritoneal dialysis.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) already has a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)-preferred strategy. As for the timing of arteriovenous fistula creation for haemodialysis (HD), this is a clinical decision. In line with this, our financing policies keep dialysis affordable, regardless of whether patients undergo PD or HD.

PD enables patients to lead a more active life and should rightly be preferred. However, there are operational impediments, such as worry of equipment breakdown at home and concern about lack of storage space at home. MOH will continue advancing our PD-preferred strategy through the National PD Home Support Programme.