Rituximab Treatment Subsidy

Subsequent to the launching of Induction Drug Treatment Subsidy last year for kidney transplantation operations, the Children's Kidney Trust Fund is introducing another new Rituximab Treatment Subsidy to help children kidney patients who suffer from difficult glomerulonephritis, where the disease may remain uncontrolled despite multiple drug treatment, requiring the application of rituximab. Rituximab is at present not yet listed in the Drug Formulary for Kidney Patients Use, and the high cost of the drug may not be easily affordable by patients from deprived families. The Fund thus provides needy children patients with subsidy on purchase of the drug at 85% level. The programme is temporarily set from 1 February 2011, to be reviewed at the end of the year. Please refer to the updated Guidelines on Subsidies/Allowances for Children Kidney Patients for details.