DAVAO CITY — I n a remarkable stride towards enhancing healthcare accessibility within the community, the residents of Misamis Occidental grappling with chronic kidney disease can now avail themselves of treatment at the newly inaugurated hemodialysis unit of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital, which commenced operations on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Jesbert Mag-usa, a 35-year-old patient hailing from Sapang Dalaga, has waged a six-year battle against stage 5 chronic kidney disease. He previously undergoing dialysis at St. Therese Hospital in Oroquieta City, bearing costs ranging from 1,100 to 1,450 pesos per session, Mag-usa now expresses his gratitude for the free treatments rendered by the provincial government at the new MOPH unit. Expressing profound thanks, Mag-usa remarked, “I am deeply thankful to our beloved Governor for providing us with this free dialysis.
It is a tremendous help to us, especially since we are unable to work properly due to our health issues.” Another dialysis patient, Carl Escabarte from Talic, Oroquieta City, shared his sentiments, “Our dream of extending our lives to be with our families has been realized.
This is immensely helpful for us because in the past, it cost a lot, but now there is no charge, and every month we also receive medical assistance amounting to P3,000. That’s why our gratitude to the Governor is immense. It was difficult before because sometimes there were no available slots.
Now, we have a clear prospect of continuing. We are very thankful.” Oaminal underscored the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services, stating, “With the assurance of high quality, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, together with the leadership of the 14 municipalities and 3 cities, ensures that our services to you are of top quality and free of charge.
You do not need to pay a single cent as beneficiaries of our hemodialysis center. To our beneficiaries, I express my gratitude for your trust. We pledge to do everything in our power to prolong your lives by offering you the best healthcare.”
The new Hemodialysis Unit (HDU) boasts 31 machines and can cater to an average of 93 patients daily. Operating from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, the unit offers 4-hour sessions thrice a week from 7 AM to 11 PM.
Staffed by two nephrologists and four physicians, along with a dedicated team of 23 nurses and eight technicians trained at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, the HDU is committed to delivering superior medical care.
With the initiative progressing towards full operation under the No Balance Billing Program, more residents of Misamis Occidental are poised to benefit from this vital service—entirely free of charge, complemented by an additional monthly medical assistance of P3,000.
This development not only diminishes the necessity for extensive travel for treatment but also significantly uplifts the community’s overall well-being. It resonates with the broader aims of the Asenso administration in providing quality and accessible healthcare for all, aligning with the aspirations of Universal Health Care.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
