ONE BIG story jolting the country today is the so-called “ghost dialysis scam” involving a private dialysis clinic and PhilHealth. While the exposé needs closer government scrutiny as it involves government funds, we’re not delving on that today but on kidney diseases. The timing of the exposé is perfect. June is National Kidney Month.
Diseases related to the kidneys rank eighth among the top 10 causes of death among Filipinos, as shown by the health statistics and demography of the Department of Health. As early as 2010 or almost a decade ago, the Philippine National Kidney and Transplant Institute already raised the alarm. A staggering number of Filipinos were suffering from end-stage or chronic kidney diseases and were undergoing dialysis.
So who are the people at risk for chronic kidney diseases? Those of old age, have diabetes, high blood pressure, have a family member with chronic kidney disease, and lastly, Asian.
For those patients fighting to salvage their kidneys, dialysis is its morbid consequence. In dialysis, a sophisticated medical machine is connected through tubes to the patient’s body. In turn, this “dialysis” will replace the functions of the dysfunctional kidneys.
Sadly, no dialysis machine can perfectly mimic the function of a healthy pair of kidneys. Worse, the economic constraints of dialysis treatment can be burden the marginally-earning Filipino family.
According to a hemodialysis unit supervisor of a government-run hospital, non-PhilHealth patients are charged P2,000 per session. However, the patient is encouraged to seek the assistance of medical social workers to avail themselves of discounts.
Knowing the importance of caring for the kidneys is essential to avoid chronic kidney diseases. For public awareness’ sake, Proclamation No. 184 of 1993 declared every June as the National Kidney Month. May we all be aware that early detection and prevention of kidney failure is vital so that corrective measures can be done and further progression can be stopped or delayed significantly.
