ILOILO City – The newest and biggest dialysis center of the Iloilo City Government is now ready to serve indigent residents.
The P40-million facility was inaugurated on Aug. 25, in time for Iloilo City’s 86th Charter Day celebration.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Iloilo Uswag San Isidro Dialysis Center has 14 dialysis machines and can cater to 28 patients battling chronic kidney disease.
Of the 14, three are in separate isolation rooms for coronavirus disease 2019 patients.
“Ready na kita, we can operate once the remaining requirement is complied with. Nagkadto na ang DOH [Department of Health], and they are very happy with our facility, one of the best they have seen in the country nga iya sang LGU,” said Treñas.
City health officer Dr. Annabelle Tang said the facility only needed the latest result of the water analysis.
The center is manned by a nephrologist, medical officers, nurses, and dialysis technicians.
Once operational, the facility would be open from Monday to Saturday.
But Treñas said they will study the possibility of operating the dialysis center 24 hours to cater to more patients.
There are already 200 patients in the waiting list.
To avail of the free service, they only need to present their certificate of indigency verified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, voter registration certificate and laboratory requirements.
The city’s first operational Uswag Dialysis Center is in Barangay East Baluarte, Molo, equipped with three dialysis machines. The government is planning to add seven more.
After their renovation, the city government is eyeing five dialysis machines for each of the health centers in Arevalo district and Barangay Tanza Esperanza.
Treñas was joined by some members of the city council during the blessing and inauguration of the San Isidro dialysis center. Also present were representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the DOH, and barangay officials of San Isidro. The blessing of the facility was officiated by Rev. Fr. Coast Guard Lieutenant Senior Grade Ronel O. Dizon. (PNA)/PN
