Letter from the NKF to me!

Dear Mr Boyd,

Thank you message from the new interim CEO, NKF

This letter is to keep you posted on the recent developments at the NKF as you are one of the important benefactors of our needy patients. As the new CEO of the NKF, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your steadfast support towards our patients. Your kind and generous donations have given them and their families tremendous hope for the future as they battle against life-threatening illnesses.

You must be aware of the recent media reports on the alleged inappropriate use of funds by the former NKF CEO and the Board. As a result, the NKF has recently undergone a major change in its management. I, as the new interim CEO, together with the new Board of Directors will oversee and ensure that all donations made to the NKF are put to good use. We have commissioned an external auditor, KPMG, to conduct a detailed review of the financial controls within the NKF and will make public the findings in due course. We hope to restore your confidence and trust in the NKF.

The new NKF Board members are eminent professionals and administrators handpicked by our Health Minister whose priority is to ensure the continued existence of a strong NKF and ensure that your donations are put to good use. Our Chairman is Mr Gerard Ee, an eminent charity volunteer.

I am familiar with running a healthcare organisation as I was the National Skin Centre’s (NSC) medical director for 14 years till April last year. As interim CEO of the NKF, I will be working closely with the new Board and will take directions from them.

The NKF’s commitment to its needy patients will not waver. Our objective is to continue all life-saving programmes with greater transparency and accountability in all activities. There are about 1,770 patients who are receiving life-saving dialysis in NKF dialysis centres. They will continue to depend on the heavily subsidised dialysis at the NKF for many years to come. Your donations have made this possible.

We are also proceeding with all our medical, prevention, and education programmes to promote the prevention of diabetes and high blood pressure that are the major causes of kidney failure. On behalf of the new Board and staff of the NKF, let me thank you again for your generous support.

The NKF Board and I are reviewing the NKF’s practices and corporate governance as well as reviewing how we can reduce dialysis costs for our patients. We are also reviewing the selection criteria and subsidy for patients who need NKF’s assistance and subsidies.

We need to reassure our patients that they will continue to receive life-saving treatment and subsidy through the donations of caring Singaporeans like you. I hope that with your unwavering support the NKF can continue to help needy patients with kidney disease.

We will be keeping you updated on further developments at the new NKF.


Yours sincerely,


Prof Goh Chee Leok
Interim CEO