MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL— In a significant advancement for healthcare access in the community, residents of Misamis Occidental suffering from chronic kidney disease can now receive treatment as the new hemodialysis unit of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital opened on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Jesbert Mag-usa, a 35-year-old patient from Sapang Dalaga, has battled stage 5 chronic kidney disease for six years. He shared his journey, saying that before, he underwent dialysis at St. Therese Hospital in Oroquieta City, paying between 1,100 to 1,450 pesos per session. Now, at the new MOPH, he is grateful for the free treatments provided by the provincial government.
He expressed his heartfelt thanks, saying, “Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mahal na Governor na binigyan niya kami ng ganitong libreng dialysis. Malaking tulong narin samin kasi wala na kaming hanap buhay, hindi makapag trabaho ng maayos.”
(I am deeply thankful to our beloved Governor for this free dialysis. It is a tremendous help for us, especially since we cannot work properly due to our health issues.)
Meanwhile, dialysis patient Carl Escabarte, a resident of Talic, Oroquieta City, shared, “Natuman gyud ang among pangandoy nga ma-extend among kinabuhi aron makauban pa namo among pamilya. Dako kaayo kini’g tabang para kanamo, kay sauna, dakog bayad pero karon wala na’y bayad, unya matag buwan pa gyud kami tagaan ug medical assistance nga nagkantidad ug P3,000. Mao nga dako kaayo among pasalamat kang Governor. Lisod gyud sauna kay usahay wala’y schedule ug puno ang slots. Karon, naa na gyud tay klarong prospect nga mapadayun ni. Dako gyud kaayo among pasalamat.”
Governor Oaminal emphasized the commitment to quality healthcare, saying, “With that high quality, among ipasiguro kaninyo nga kini nga gobyerno sa Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, apil ang liderato sa 14 ka munisipyo ug 3 ka syudad, nga ang among pagserbisyo kaninyo kalidad na ug libre pa. Wala na kamo’y gasto nga bayran, bisan usa ka sentimo, kung kamo mga beneficiaries niining atong hemodialysis center. Sa mga beneficiaries, nagpasalamat ko sa inyong pagsalig. I-assure namo kutob sa among mahimo nga among buhaton ang tanan aron mapadayon ang inyong kinabuhi pinaagi sa paghatag kaninyo sa labing maayo nga healthcare.”
(We assure you that the provincial government of Misamis Occidental, along with the leadership of our 14 municipalities and 3 cities, is dedicated to providing you with high-quality, free services. You will not incur any expenses as beneficiaries of our hemodialysis center. Thank you for your trust; we promise to do our best to prolong your lives by providing the best healthcare.)
The Hemodialysis Unit (HDU) features a total of 31 machines and can accommodate an average of 93 patients daily. It operates from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, with treatment sessions running from 7 AM to 11 PM, offering 4-hour sessions three times a week.
The unit is staffed by two nephrologists and four physicians, ensuring expert medical care at all times. Supported by a dedicated team of 23 nurses and eight technicians trained at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, the unit is committed to delivering high-quality service.
As the Hemodialysis Unit progresses toward full operation under the No Balance Billing Program, more residents of Misamis Occidental will benefit from this essential service—completely free of charge, with additional medical assistance of P3,000 per month.
This development reduces the need for long-distance travel for treatment and significantly enhances the community’s overall well-being. This initiative aligns with the Asenso administration’s broader goals of providing quality, accessible healthcare for all and fulfilling the aspirations of Universal Health Care. (SN/PGMO)