Hemodialysis – Financial burden or journey that requires companionship?

Every day, tens of thousands of kidney failure patients in Vietnam rely on hemodialysis to sustain their lives. Statistics reveal that the cost of treating chronic kidney disease exceeds the country’s per capita GDP, with dialysis expenses being four times higher than the cost of managing kidney disease in its early stages. This is not merely a healthcare issue but also a profound financial challenge for patients and their families.

The Burden of Costs

In Vietnam, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people suffers from chronic kidney disease, with this demographic increasingly skewing younger. As the disease progresses to its end stage, patients are left with no choice but hemodialysis or kidney transplantation to survive. Currently, approximately 41,000 patients nationwide require dialysis 2-3 times per week. Yet, the capacity of hospitals offering dialysis services meets only 30% of the demand.

The average cost of hemodialysis ranges from 2.5 to 12 million VND per month, depending on the quality of service, even with health insurance subsidies. For low-income workers or those living in rural areas, this expense represents an overwhelming burden. Many families have been forced to sell assets, take out loans, or depend on community support to cope.

Social Support Solutions

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Bách from Thong Nhat Hospital, young kidney failure patients face significant economic challenges as they are often in their working years, supporting families and young children. However, with high-quality dialysis, many patients can still engage in light work, such as online selling or part-time household assistance.

Potential societal solutions include:

• Increased healthcare investment: Building more dialysis centers to alleviate the strain on doctors and hospital beds.

• Financial assistance: Mobilizing charitable funds and social organizations to ease the burden on patients.

• Raising community awareness: Educating the public about kidney disease and prevention methods.

ASIF Foundation and Our Journey Alongside Dialysis Patients

At the ASIF Foundation, we recognize that dialysis patients need more than just medical solutions—they require comprehensive support in terms of finances, emotional well-being, and quality of life. To address this, we have partnered with Le Van Thinh Hospital to launch the project "Living well with dialysis- A comprehensive care model". This initiative aims to research and implement a comprehensive care framework for chronic kidney disease patients undergoing dialysis. Beyond reducing financial pressures, the project seeks to enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

We firmly believe that with collective societal support, dialysis patients can not only extend their lives but also continue contributing to their families and communities.

Join hands with the ASIF Foundation to drive positive change for the chronic kidney disease community in Vietnam.