Smaller dialysis centres see rising operating costs amid Mideast crisis

Operators of smaller dialysis centres warn that out-of-pocket fees could go up for some patients if operational costs continue rising. This, as the ongoing Middle East conflict drives up energy bills and causes disruption to the global medical supply chain. The Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF) has seen electricity bills jump by around S$2,000 a month across its four centres. Haemodialysis, which filters blood outside the body using a machine, can cost more S$2,000 a month without subsidies. Currently, around nine in 10 KDF patients are fully subsidised. Those who are not typically pay at most S$200 for out-of-pocket costs each month. Sabrina Ng reports.