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.”