SINGAPORE — By 2020, kidney patients living in Toa Payoh West and Balestier will be able to tap a new dialysis centre co-located at the upgraded Toa Payoh West Community Club (TPWCC).

The centre, named "Seck Hong Choon - NKF Dialysis Centre", will have at least 20 dialysis machines.

This is the first collaboration between the People's Association (PA), Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to have a dialysis centre located within a community club (CC).

The three organisations signed a memorandum of understanding today (Oct 2) for the new dialysis centre to be co-located at the upgraded Toa Payoh West-Balestier CC.

"Given Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, increasing diabetic rate, hypertension and obesity, the number of kidney patients in Singapore looks set to rise," said the PA in a press release.

Minister of State (Health) Chee Hong Tat, PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng and NKF chairman Koh Poh Tiong were present at the event to witness the signing.

KMSPKS presented a S$1.4 million donation to the NKF for the setting up of the dialysis centre.

The donation will be matched by a government grant to cover both the costs of renovation and equipment for operational needs of the dialysis centre.

Currently, the NKF is supporting over 4,000 patients.  There are 31 existing dialysis centres island-wide operating at almost full capacity.

Through its new partnership inked today, the NKF will have greater outreach in raising awareness and educating the public on renal diseases to encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle for prevention of such diseases.

PA will also be working closely with NKF on outreach and education efforts through the various grassroots organisations in Toa Payoh West-Balestier.