CASTILLA, Sorsogon (PIA) — Individuals suffering from kidney issues who require dialysis in Castilla town and nearby areas can now access hemodialysis services at a newly opened clinic.
This improved availability is a result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to expand the dialysis benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
The AMSAR Dialysis Center Inc. opened its new facility in Purok Rosal, Barangay Cumadcad, on May 18, aiming to provide essential care for residents with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
It has brand-new dialysis machines in a room especially designed to make the hours-long treatment comfortable.
CKD is a progressive condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, making dialysis vital in advanced stages unless a kidney transplant is done.
AMSAR’s services are covered by PhilHealth, enabling patients to receive free or low-cost treatment depending on their coverage.
PhilHealth has expanded its coverage for hemodialysis to 156 sessions per year and increased the reimbursement rate per session, helping to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients.
“What [I] did was to look for a partner to establish a dialysis center here in Castilla,” said Mayor Isagani Mendoza.
A feasibility study conducted by the local government emphasized the urgent need for this facility, indicating that Castilla is home to at least 70 patients with CKD.
Previously, these individuals faced exhausting and costly commutes to distant cities to receive regular treatments.
Regarding the process for accepting new patients, Mendoza said that they will be accepted as long as they meet complete PhilHealth and medical requirements.
To eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, the facility offers a fully covered suite of services for qualified PhilHealth members.
Unlike standard centers, where patients must purchase their own prescription medications, AMSAR will cover all treatment and medication costs.
The center provides several free clinical services, including regular dialysis sessions, specialized arteriovenous (AV) fistula procedures, essential injectable medications, continuous oxygen support,
routine laboratory tests, comprehensive hepatitis screenings, and a dedicated dialysis station specifically for Hepatitis-positive patients to ensure strict infection control.
With financial barriers removed, the facility’s medical staff is encouraging patients to focus entirely on their recovery and healthcare schedules.
“Patients no longer need to worry about expenses for dialysis, laboratory work, and medications,” said Ryan Garcia, the chief nurse at AMSAR.
“The only important thing left is their commitment to attend their regular dialysis sessions,” he added.
Garcia said that they can accommodate up to 40 dialysis patients per day.
“Dates and time schedules are arranged for patients to ensure smooth dialysis operations and to accommodate everyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the opening of the facility has provided both physical and economic relief to vulnerable families in the community.
Alma Belgica, a 49-year-old dialysis patient from Barangay Cumadcad, expressed her gratitude for the new facility.
For Belgica and her family, the center has ended years of exhausting and expensive commutes to distant hospitals.
“The savings from our medical and transport costs now help cover our family’s food and daily expenses,” she said.
Source: PIA Bicol Region