The treatment for an SLE sufferer depends on the symptoms he or she experiences and how severe they are. In treating SLE, the doctor has to prevent flares, treat the flares, and minimise organ damage and complications.
The main treatment in SLE involves the use of corticosteroids, the most common being prednisolone. Long-term side effects of corticosteroids can include weakened bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar (diabetes), damage to the arteries, infections, and cataracts.
As such, Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM) has started an SLE Fund to help needy patients who have to undergo joint replacement and cataract operations due to the side effects of corticosteroids. The SLE Fund will subsidise the purchase of their prosthesis or lens implant.
Expansion of the scope of the SLE Fund – Medication Fund
From 2016, PLSEM will expand the scope of the SLE Fund. It will now support patients in need of expensive medications, for example Cellcept, Belimumab and Rituximab. The duration of funding is for 6 months and is renewable based on the discretion of the Exco.
Compassionate Fund
The SLE Fund can also offer a compassionate disbursement of funds for SLE patients in need. This will be at the discretion of the PLSEM Executive Committee and will be on a case by case basis.
It can also offer to reimburse outstanding hospital bills.
Expansion of the scope of the SLE Fund – Medication Fund
From 2016, PSLEM will expand the scope of the SLE Fund. It will now support patients in need of expensive medications, for example Cellcept, Belimumab and Rituximab. The duration of the funding is for 6 months and is renewable based on the discretion of the Exco.
What will the SLE Fund cover?
For Joint Replacement and Cataract operations
- The subsidy will cover up to 90% of the cost of the implant. The surgery will have to be performed at a government-funded hospital.
- The SLE Fund will not cover other costs pertaining to surgery, drugs or accommodation
- Payments will be made directly to the supplier of the implant. No monies will be transferred to the patient.
- The subsidy will cover up to 90% of the cost of the medications for 6 months.
- The medications must be bought from government or university hospitals. A copy of the invoice for the medications must be made assessible to Persatuan SLE Malaysia.
- Eligible medications include Cellcept, Belimumab and Rituximab.
- Patients can re-apply after 6 months but no guarantee will be given on continuation of the subsidy. The funds is to be disbursed directly to the respective hospital.
- Applications should be directed to the PSLEM Excecutve Committee via the Executive Secretary.
- PSLEM reserves the right to request for more detailed information.
- The one time payment will not exceed RM5000. The final amount will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Who is eligible?
- The recipient patient must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident.
- The recipient’s monthly income should not be more than RM3,500.
How do I apply for assistance?
- Please download the application form here.
Who do I need to validate my application?
For Joint Replacement and Cataract operations
- You will require two attending specialists to help validate your need for either joint replacement or cataract operation.
- If you require joint replacement, please get the doctor treating you (the doctor should be a Rheumatologist or Nephrologist) plus the Orthopaedic Surgeon who will perform the operation to fill in Part (B) of the form.
- If you require a cataract operation, please get the doctor treating you (the doctor should be a Rheumatologist or Nephrologist) plus the Ophthalmologist who will perform the operation to fill in Part (B) of the form.
- You will need to fill in your social and family details, which will have to be verified by a social worker from the government-funded hospital where you are being treated.
- You will require the specialist (either the rheumatologist or nephrologist) to validate your need for the medications.
- You will need to fill in your social and family details, which will have to be verified by a social worker from a government funded hospital where you are being treated.
- An invoice for the medication must be attached with the application form.
- You should write in to the Executive Committee of PSLEM via the Executive Secretary.
- Please include the reasons for seeking funds on compaasionate reasons.
- You will need to fill in your social and family details, which will have to be verified by a social worker from the government funded hospitak where you are being treated.ÂÂÂÂÂÂ
Besides the application form, what other documents will I have to submit?
- A photostat copy of your identification card
- Details of your last drawn salary
- An official quotation from the supplier of the prosthesis or lens implant
- Invoice for medications
Who will approve my application?
- Persatuan SLE Malaysia’s Executive Committee will review your application. Approval will be based on eligibility, need and availability of funds.
How long will the approval process take?
- Executive Committee meetings are usually held once a month. If all your documents are in order, it will be reviewed at the very next Executive Committee meeting. You will be informed of the outcome of your application on the next working day after the meeting.
Where does the SLE Fund get its money from?
- The SLE Fund depends on donations from the public and money raised by Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM). PSLEM appeals to all persons and corporate bodies to donate towards the SLE Fund.
- If you would like to make a contribution, please make your cheque payable to “Persatuan SLE Malaysia” and send to:
Persatuan SLE Malaysia
3rd Floor, Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
16, Jalan Utara, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: (03) 7957-7672
Fax: (03) 7957-0407
E-mail: pslemhq@gmail.com
Website: www.lupusmalaysia.org