March2024

OFFICE OF SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

PRESS RELEASE

Jinggoy wants every regional, provincial hospital to set up dialysis centers; free dialysis sessions for indigent patients

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has sought the passage of a law requiring all regional and provincial hospitals to set up dialysis centers to address the rising number of kidney disease cases in the country.

“Sophisticated medical equipment and advanced facilities are concentrated in highly urbanized cities. Consequently, patients from rural areas often need to travel long distances, which incurs high costs, including travel expenses. For patients with kidney disorders who require regular dialysis, these financial burdens can be especially challenging,” Estrada said in underscoring the necessity of the proposed law under Senate Bill No. 800.

According to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), current estimates indicate that approximately 2.3 million Filipinos have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Furthermore, in 2016, more than 36,000 patients underwent dialysis treatment, indicating a 15% increase in the number of patients in a single year.

These figures highlight the severity of the problem faced by the country’s healthcare system and the need for concerted efforts to combat the rise of CKD, the veteran lawmaker said.

“As such, policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public must become more aware of the situation and take action to address it. By doing so, it may be possible to mitigate the impact of CKD on individuals and society as a whole,” said Estrada.