The newly-opened Tarlac City Dialysis Center is now ready to offer free services to qualified indigent patients. Located beside the city hall, it aims to provide residents improved and accessible medical treatment and healthcare.

Mayor Cristy Angeles said the facility’s completion is a stride towards the goal of the city government to ensure a healthy life for all, particularly those battling chronic kidney disease.

“The establishment of this dialysis center underscores our city’s unwavering resolve to address the healthcare needs of our indigent residents. Access to medical quality services should never be a luxury but a fundamental right,” she stressed.

Angeles likewise recognized the Department of Health (DOH), healthcare professionals, dialysis team, volunteers, and donors for supporting an endeavor towards a healthy Tarlac City.

For her part, DOH Undersecretary Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana lauded the collaboration and dedication of the city government and its stakeholders to improve the well-being of residents of Tarlac City and neighboring municipalities.

With the gap between patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis units, according to Laxamana, private sectors and local government units are encouraged to put up their own dialysis centers with the guidance and standards of DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

“Based on statistics, chronic kidney disease has a significant impact in the healthcare landscape of the Philippines. This is one of the emerging primary causes of hospitalization, and now, it is the 10th leading cause of mortality in the country,” she explained.

The official noted that establishing a specialized dialysis center at a strategic location is crucial in enhancing service delivery in response to the escalating number of chronic kidney disease patients.

“Dialysis is one of the life saving measures. A renal center will really improve and sustain a longer life for patients. It will increase access to timely renal care, and will expand the capacity to meet the growing demand for dialysis services,” Laxamana stated.

Apart from dialysis services, DOH encourages renal centers to promote healthy diet and lifestyle not only to patients but also to their families to prevent kidney disease. (PIA 3)