Forum: Let’s join hands to save lives as we honour kidney transplant pioneer
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We pay tribute to the late Dr Chan Kong Thoe, a pioneer in Singapore’s medical history (Singapore’s pioneer kidney transplant surgeon dies at 95”, Feb 3).
Dr Chan’s ground-breaking work in 1970, which gave Ms Doreen Tan a new lease of life, laid the foundation for organ transplantation in Singapore. His legacy continues to inspire our efforts in kidney care and transplant today.
Kidney transplant remains the best treatment for kidney failure, offering superior long-term survival and fewer lifestyle disruptions compared with dialysis.
However, Singapore still faces a critical shortage of kidney donors, with about 400 patients on the waiting list and an average wait of eight years for a suitable donor. While medical advancements have improved transplant outcomes, public willingness to step forward as donors remains crucial.
We echo the call by Director-General of Health Kenneth Mak for more Singaporeans to consider organ donation as a gift of life.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has been actively raising awareness of kidney donation’s life-saving impact and providing financial assistance through our Kidney Live Donor Support Fund, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to saving a life.
However, prevention remains the best strategy against kidney failure. Diabetes and hypertension are its leading causes, making early detection and management critical. NKF is committed to tackling these root causes through accessible kidney screening and public education campaigns, letting people take charge of their health and reducing the need for transplants or dialysis.
Dr Chan’s pioneering spirit reminds us that innovation and collaboration are essential to overcoming healthcare challenges. Collaboration across sectors is vital, as everyone has a role to play. By harnessing technology to enhance dialysis treatment and advocating policies that encourage organ donation, we can work towards a future where no patient has to endure the burden of kidney failure.
As we honour Dr Chan’s legacy, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to care for our kidneys and support those in need. Together, we can ensure that Singapore remains a leader in kidney care and transplantation, saving lives and giving hope to countless individuals and their families.
Yen Tan
Chief Executive Officer
National Kidney Foundation