FREE DIALYSIS. The Iloilo City government opens its biggest dialysis center equipped with 14 machines to cater to indigent patients in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district on Friday (Aug. 25, 2023). Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city will study the possibility of operating 24 hours to accommodate more patients. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – A dialysis center equipped with 14 machines opened in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district to provide free service to poor residents of Iloilo City on Friday.
In his message during the inauguration program, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city government has invested around PHP40 million in its biggest center amid the increasing number of patients needing dialysis treatment.
“I know how it feels when one goes through a dialysis treatment. That is why we look for ways to help our indigent residents,” he said, recalling when his father had to go through dialysis sessions for 18 months.
With the 14 machines, including three dedicated to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the center can accommodate 28 patients daily from Monday until Saturday.
The mayor said the City Health Office will study the possibility of operating 24 hours to accommodate more patients.
The center has already listed 200 patients who will avail of dialysis treatment.
To avail of the free service, they only need to present their certificate of indigency verified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), voter registration certificate and laboratory requirements.
“We will make this dialysis center habitable and comfortable for our patients,” he said, adding that he will find ways to provide television sets.
The center, manned by one nephrologist, three physicians and 12 nurses, is expected to start its operation next week.
Currently, it is waiting for the result of the latest water analysis as a requirement of the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH representatives visited the center on Thursday and said it was one of the best in the country, Treñas added.
With the increasing number of patients, Treñas said the city government would provide five dialysis machines each to health centers in Arevalo district and Tanza Esperanza after their renovation while the three machines at the existing dialysis center in East Baluarte will be increased to 10.
The city has an initial allocation of PHP10 million for the proposed improvement in other health centers. (PNA)
