Kidney transplant waiting list hits 10-year record

But when she had difficulty walking even a short distance between two Housing Board blocks, coupled with other symptoms, a general practitioner advised her to seek emergency care.

In February 2021, about a week after she was admitted to hospital, she was confirmed to have kidney failure.

The cause was the autoimmune condition known as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Kidney dialysis served Tan well for a few years. But she eventually suffered from various complications such as recurrent infections and two bouts of pneumonia, one of which led to a 15-day hospitalisation.

When a transplant for Tan was discussed, her younger sister and two friends who were willing to donate were found to be unsuitable donors.

Her father was unable to donate as he had existing health conditions.

On Aug 28, 2025, Chua donated her left kidney to Tan.

Chua’s husband had some concerns, but agreed for her to donate when Tan’s medical problems mounted.

Chua, who works as an accountant and has no plans for children, said that the transplant has not affected her long-term health.

All she needs to do now is to go for regular checks and watch her diet, which she said is what everyone should do anyway.

Tan also had a smooth recovery, and is now on medications and supplements for life.

She is grateful to Chua for the donation, which has significantly improved her quality of life.

One recurring thought she used to have when she was mulling over a transplant is now far behind her: “Who am I to deserve this kidney?”

Review of funding support for donors and recipients

Separately, NKF is currently reviewing its Kidney Live Donor Support Fund, which supports 163 beneficiaries, with the aim of lightening the financial burden for donors and recipients.

The fund currently covers pre-transplant screening and evaluation costs, as well as the cost of annual health screenings and medical follow-ups ordered by transplant physicians in the public hospitals, among other expenses.

NKF reiterated that the support through the fund is intended to help defray costs, and does not constitute a payment or reward for donating a kidney.

Transport costs may also be covered in the future, as NKF’s survey showed that both donors and recipients have to make frequent trips to the hospital for pre-transplant assessments, medical consultations and post-transplant follow-up care.

NKF chairman Ang Hao Yao said: “A potential donor’s decision must remain entirely voluntary, and choosing not to donate will not affect the care provided to the patient.”

MP Hamid Razak’s sister received kidney from mother

At the Oct 15 NKF event, MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC Hamid Razak revealed that his younger sister, Badrun Nisa, had received a kidney from their mother in 2022.

Nisa shared with the audience that she started suffering symptoms in May 2021 when she was 34 years old, including weight loss, breathlessness and fatigue.

She was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure, though her doctors could not identify the cause or when the failure actually started.

Although she started on dialysis, transplant was the longer-term option.

After a few family members and a close friend were tested for suitability to donate a kidney to her, her mother turned out to be the most ideal candidate.

Nisa had misgivings at first – she was worried about the age of her mother, then 58 years old. “I didn’t want my chance at better health to come at the expense of hers,” said Nisa.

After much consultation and discussion, the transplant was completed in November 2022.

Hamid, who is an orthopaedic surgeon, said: “Seeing what kidney transplant has made possible for my sister is why I believe families should at least have the opportunity to understand the option, ask the difficult questions and make an informed decision together with their medical team.”