Arthritis Foundation Malaysia

Arthritis Fund

The aim of treatment in arthritis is to control the arthritis and prevent joint deterioration. However, occasionally, when the arthritis is severe or progressive or the patient presents for treatment late, the joint affected by the arthritis can be damaged irreparably. The will result in pain and loss of mobility. In selected cases, the damaged joint can be replaced by an artificial one by undergoing joint replacement surgery. This procedure can relieve pain, restore mobility and normalise joint function and make a tremendous impact in improving the quality of life of the person.

The cost of the implant for the surgery is generally above RM 8,000. Many patients forego surgery and continue to deteriorate and suffer pain because they are unable to afford the implant. Arthritis Foundation Malaysia appreciates this area of need and has set up a fund to assist those who require a joint replacement but lack the means to purchase the prosthesis.

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the fund:

What Will The Fund Cover ?

• The subsidy will usually cover up to 90% of the cost of the implant. The surgery will have to be performed at a government funded hospital.
• The Arthritis Fund will not usually pay any other costs pertaining to surgery, drugs or accommodation.
• No monies will be transferred to the patient. Payments will be made directly to the supplier of the implant.

Who Is Eligible ?

• The recipient (patient) must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident
• The recipient's monthly income should not be more than RM 2,000.

How Do I Apply For Assistance ?

• Check that you are eligible (as above)
• Please download the application form from www.afm.org.my under the section on "Arthritis Fund" or ask your doctor for a copy.

Who Will Be Required To Fill The Form?

• You will require two attending specialists to help validate your need for joint replacement.
• If you suffer from Inflammatory Arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis or Psoriatic Arthritis, you will require the help of a Rheumatologist and an Orthopaedic Surgeon, (who will perform the operation).
• If you suffer from Osteoarthritis you may have the two specialists as described above or two Orthopaedic surgeons ( one of whom will do the operation).
• You will need to fill in your social and family details.
• A social worker at a government hospital will need to verify your social history.

What Documents Will I Have To Submit?

• Identification documents
• Details of last drawn salary

Who Will Approve My Application ?

• The Arthritis Fund Committee will be run by seven members nominated by the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia. They will meet quarterly to review all applications. Approval will be based on eligibility, need and availability of funds at any time.

How Long Will The Approval Process Take?

• You should hear from the committee within 2 months if the application is complete

How Does the Arthritis Fund Raise Money?

• The Fund is dependent on donations from the public and money raised through the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia.
• The Arthritis Foundation Malaysia appeals to all persons and corporate bodies to donate into the "Arthritis Fund".

How do I make a donation to the Arthritis Fund ?

Please make your Cheque payable to "Arthritis Foundation Malaysia" and it send to :

Arthritis Foundation Malaysia
4th Floor Swan Convention Centre
(Above Multi Storey Carpark)
Sunway Medical Centre
5, Jalan Lagoon Selatan,
Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan

AFM will issue an official receipt. Your donation will be tax exempt.