The Patient Support Group (PSG) has been set up under the auspices of the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia. It was launched on 25th September 2005 and operates as an independent body. It is a patient-centric organisation that will work towards the betterment of all kidney patients in Malaysia, regardless of whether they are seeking treatment at NKF or at dialysis centres housed in government, private hospitals and other NGO dialysis centres.
The main objectives of the Patient Support Group include:-
Advocating easier access to dialysis treatment and high quality care and lower prices for medication.
Providing health information on kidney diseases and their management and care.
Organising health talks, seminars and to update patient and their families on the latest treatment and healthcare issues.
Guiding patients on appropriate long-term solutions to their healthcare needs.
Providing counselling and support to address psychological and emotional factors affecting patients and their families.
Facilitating contact with professional bodies, government agencies and authorities, and individuals involved in kidney health.
Planning and organising social and recreational activities for patients and their families.
The Patient Support Group cannot achieve these objectives without the organisation being strengthened by large numbers of members. Hence, we are seeking everyone’s cooperation to register their patients as members of PSG.
Membership is FREE and is open to all kidney patients on haemodialysis.
The first meeting was held on Oct 10, 2004 at the NKF headquarters at No. 72, Jalan 14/29, 46100 Petaling Jaya. Attended by about 100 patients and their family members, the inaugural meeting was a resounding success.
A pro-tem committee was also formed when 11 patients offered themselves to serve on the committee, which has begun its task with membership drive to make the support group stronger.
For a start, the support group is open to patients from all dialysis centres in Selangor, including those from the NKF, government and private medical facilities, and non-governmental organisations.
Activities planned under the support group will serve to bring together patients and their families, and encourage better communication between them and their care givers. It will include having:
annual get-togethers;
trips to places of interest;
sports day;
patient forums;
talks on health, diet and nutrition;
counselling sessions and others;
peer support group and others.
For further information, please contact Maniam Raman Chettiar at Tel: 03-7954 9048 / 49; Fax: 03- 7957 7328, or e-mail welfare@nkf.org.my
To become a member of the Patient Support Group, please go to Application Form in the sidebar and click on Patient Support Group Application Form. Fill up the membership form and fax to 03-7957 7328. The NKF will confirm receipt of your application form within 3 days.
