Enchanted Evening Sparks Hope: RM600,000 Raised to Save Lives From Kidney Failure

The Maaedicare Charitable Foundation’s second annual fundraiser, An Enchanted Evening – A Gala for Giving 2025, successfully raised an impressive RM600,000 in combined cash and in-kind donations last Friday night.

This remarkable achievement will directly support Maaedicare’s critical mission to address Malaysia’s growing kidney disease crisis and expand heart health initiatives nationwide. The funds will enhance kidney care across 11 dialysis centres, strengthen diagnostic capabilities at the Foundation’s pioneering Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, and increase free health screenings at two Klinik Amal Percuma clinics dedicated to serving underprivileged communities.

Chairman Yang Mulia Tunku Dato’ Yaacob Khyra highlighted the rising cost of medical care as a serious concern, but equally critical is the persistent shortage of medical personnel—doctors and nurses—in government, private, and charitable healthcare facilities, mainly caused by brain-drain.

He cited a clear example of the brain-drain issue is the growing number of trained Malaysian renal (kidney) nurses relocating to foreign countries, particularly the Middle East.

“To qualify as a Renal Nurse, a nurse must complete a rigorous, full-time 6-month training course, becoming an expert in all aspects of renal care—from basic dialysis to operating theatre duties. This highly skilled Malaysian Renal Nurse is an invaluable asset.

“During this training period, the nurse is on full-time study leave, with the employer continuing to pay their full salary. However, when these fully trained nurses leave Malaysia after their employers have invested in their education, the brain drain inflicts a significant loss on the country. This loss increases healthcare costs, which will continue to rise as more fully trained and employer-funded Renal Nurses emigrate. This cycle places further financial strain on medical treatment costs.

“I propose the introduction of a specialised “Dialysis Nurse” certification—a streamlined program of approximately two months designed to equip nurses with the precise skills needed for dialysis treatment. Dialysis Nurses would receive a salary higher than that of basic nurses, acknowledging their specialised expertise, while allowing Renal Nurses to focus on more advanced clinical roles that justify their comprehensive training and compensation,’’ he noted.

This tiered training structure, he said, could help reduce the significant costs associated with brain-drain, as many fully trained Renal Nurses seek employment overseas after costly, fully funded training here in Malaysia.

“Though this measure may not completely eliminate the brain-drain, it can certainly mitigate its financial impact on our healthcare system. We recognise the invaluable support of the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, who has been a strong advocate of Public-Private and Public-Charity partnerships to improve healthcare delivery.

“We respectfully urge Datuk Seri to consider formally recognising the “Dialysis Nurse” qualification, which will help strengthen our nursing workforce and enhance patient care across the nation,’’ he said.

Chief Executive Officer Ms. Anne Rajasaikaran emphasised the critical connection between poverty and kidney disease in Malaysia.

“Poverty is a key driver behind the rising rates of chronic kidney disease in Malaysia. Poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and low awareness contribute to increasing cases of diabetes and hypertension — the primary causes of this disease.

“Many underprivileged individuals miss out on regular check-ups and screenings, leading to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are limited and less effective. This results in higher illness and mortality rates, trapping vulnerable communities in a vicious cycle of worsening health and financial hardship.

“Our mission is to break this cycle by expanding healthcare access, raising awareness, and promoting early detection. Only through these efforts can we reduce the burden of kidney disease and offer Malaysians a healthier future. We are committed to providing hope and care to those most in need,” she said.

The gala was officiated by the Patron of Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, His Royal Highness Yang Di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and Her Royal Highness Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud.

Also present were Her Highness Dato’ Seri DiRaja, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia and YB Tuan P. Prabakaran, Member of Parliament for Batu and Chairman of the Special Committee of the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).

Since 1994, Maaedicare has transformed the lives of over 32,000 patients by providing subsidised dialysis and operates Malaysia’s only charitable cardiac diagnostic centre. Its free clinics and health screenings continue to serve the nation’s most vulnerable communities, delivering essential healthcare to those who need it most.

The overwhelming success of An Enchanted Evening demonstrates the power of community and compassion. Together, Malaysians are turning empathy into action — ensuring no one is left behind in the fight for life.

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