Making Dialysis More Affordable and Sustainable in Brunei

What is it about?

Kidney disease is a big health problem worldwide. When kidneys stop working, patients need either dialysis or a transplant to survive. In Brunei, most patients use hospital-based hemodialysis, where a machine cleans the blood. This method is costly and needs many trained staff. Another option is peritoneal dialysis, where fluid is put into the abdomen to absorb waste and then drained out. The study looked at which dialysis policy is more affordable and sustainable. It found that starting patients on peritoneal dialysis (unless their health requires hemodialysis) saves money, improves patient outcomes, and reduces the need for specialized doctors and nurses - who are already in short supply in Brunei. The key message is that dialysis planning should consider not just costs and patient health, but also the availability of healthcare workers, especially in countries with limited resources.

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Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash

Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Dialysis policy decisions are not just about choosing a medical treatment; they influence the strength and stability of the entire health system. When resources are used wisely, the system can continue to provide care without collapsing under financial pressure. Fair access becomes more achievable, because patients are less likely to face long waits or unequal treatment. At the same time, healthcare workers benefit from policies that ease their workload, allowing them to focus on quality rather than being stretched too thin. Efficient planning also frees up money and staff time that can be redirected to other areas of healthcare, such as prevention or community services. Most importantly, these choices prepare the country for the future, ensuring that care remains reliable and sustainable even as populations age and budgets tighten.

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