PERKESO (SOCSO), Malaysia's Social Security Organisation, helps insured workers with chronic kidney failure get dialysis treatment. For many patients, this support takes much of the financial pressure off a treatment they need several times a week over the long term.
This page gives a general overview of who qualifies, what is covered and how to apply. We are not PERKESO, and the rules can change from time to time, so always confirm the details with PERKESO before making decisions. The PERKESO panel dialysis centres in our directory are listed further down this page.
What is PERKESO dialysis support?
Since 1999, PERKESO has provided dialysis facilities to eligible Insured Persons as one of the benefits under its Invalidity Scheme. Treatment is given at PERKESO panel dialysis centres, which are private centres and centres run by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that PERKESO has appointed. PERKESO also runs a few dialysis centres of its own.
This is a social security benefit, not private insurance or general welfare aid, so it depends on your status as a contributor and on a medical assessment.
Who qualifies?
In general, you may qualify if:
- you are a PERKESO Insured Person, meaning an employee covered by, and contributing under, the Employees' Social Security Act 1969;
- a doctor confirms you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need dialysis;
- PERKESO's Medical Board assesses your condition and recommends dialysis treatment; and
- you meet the contribution conditions of the Invalidity Scheme. PERKESO will check how many months of contributions you have, and your age when your invalidity notice is received can also affect eligibility.
A dialysis application usually runs alongside an invalidity benefit claim, because both depend on the same Medical Board decision.
Contributors to other schemes, such as the Housewives' Social Security Scheme, are covered by that scheme's own conditions and benefits. Ask PERKESO whether your scheme includes dialysis support.
Tip: If you are unsure about your contribution record, check with PERKESO or your employer as early as possible. If you do not qualify, there are other options, such as government hospitals, NGO centres and zakat assistance.
What is covered
According to PERKESO, the dialysis facility includes:
- haemodialysis at PERKESO panel dialysis centres, which PERKESO says is provided free of charge;
- reimbursement of haemodialysis costs at non-panel centres and government hospitals, subject to PERKESO's terms and conditions;
- peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) as an alternative to haemodialysis;
- subsidised erythropoietin (EPO) injections to treat anaemia;
- payment for arteriovenous (AV) fistula surgery for vascular access; and
- subsidised immunosuppressant medicines for Insured Persons who have had a kidney transplant.
All support is paid at the rates, terms and conditions set by PERKESO, and these can change. If a panel centre asks you to pay anything extra, ask it to explain the charge in writing and check with PERKESO before you agree.
How to apply
The exact steps may differ for your case, but the process usually looks like this:
- Get a medical report from your nephrologist or treating doctor confirming the diagnosis and your need for dialysis.
- Notify PERKESO of your invalidity and submit Form 34 with the medical report, either at the counter of your nearest PERKESO office or online if that option is available for your application.
- Attend the Medical Board assessment when called, and bring your medical documents.
- Complete PERKESO's dialysis facility application form if you are asked to.
- Start treatment at the panel centre of your choice once your application is approved.
Bring your identity card (MyKad) and copies of all medical documents whenever you deal with PERKESO. Staff at many dialysis centres are used to helping patients with PERKESO paperwork, so don't hesitate to ask.
Important: Do not delay dialysis while waiting for PERKESO's decision. Follow your doctor's advice, and talk to the centre or hospital about how your treatment will be paid for in the meantime.
Choosing a panel centre
The right panel centre is one you can get to comfortably, several times a week, for the long term. Consider:
- distance and transport from home or work;
- shift slots that are still open and fit your routine;
- whether the centre accepts patients with hepatitis B or C, if that applies to you;
- whether the centre supports CAPD, if that is your choice; and
- nephrologist visits and the facilities at the centre.
Panel status can change. Confirm with the centre itself and against the official list on the PERKESO website before you register. If you want to move to another centre later, ask PERKESO and your centre about the transfer process so that payments are not interrupted.
If you are treated at a non-panel centre
You can still have dialysis at a non-panel centre or a government hospital. PERKESO may reimburse the haemodialysis costs, subject to its terms, conditions and rates. Things to keep in mind:
- the amount reimbursed may be lower than the centre's charges, and you will have to pay the difference;
- keep all receipts and treatment records; and
- ask PERKESO beforehand which documents you need for a claim.
Latest official information
This page is a general guide only. For current conditions, rates and forms, refer to the official sources:
- PERKESO official website
- PERKESO Invalidity Scheme
- PERKESO dialysis centre page, including the official lists of panel centres
- PERKESO hotline: 1-300-22-8000
- Your nearest PERKESO office
Next steps
The PERKESO panel dialysis centres in our directory are listed below, grouped by state. For an overview of treatment costs and other sources of help, read Dialysis costs & financial aid, or find a dialysis centre near you.