Marikeños now have access to free kidney disease treatment as the Local Government of Marikina (Marikina LGU) unveiled its own dialysis center on the fourth floor of Marikina Sports Complex today, April 16, in time for the city’s 394th founding anniversary.
Noting that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fourth on the list of top diseases in the Philippines and the seventh leading cause of death among Filipinos, Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said the Marikina Dialysis Center is a hope for those battling CKD in their community.
“Ayon sa datos ng Philippine Renal Disease Registry, pitong milyong Pilipino ang apektado ng CKD at humigi’t kumulang dalawa’t kalahating milyon naman ang sa peritoneal at hemodialysis. Idagdag panatin rito, ayon sa National Kidney & Transplant Institute o NKTI, na isang Pilipino kada oras ang nadadiagnose na may chronic kidney disease,” Teodoro said during the opening of the new Marikina facility.
The mayor highlighted how the Marikina Dialysis Center can help those who need access to free dialysis treatment in the city with its state-of-the-art facilities, including 22 top-quality dialysis machines from Japan; and a dedicated team of nurses, admin staff, technicians, and medical professionals, all committed to delivering exemplary care.
“Kaya naman, the Marikina Dialysis Center stands as a vital resource in our fight against this global epidemic,” he said. “For our families, friends who are in need of CKD related treatments, please know that help is within your reach. Ang City of Government of Marikina ay bukas at gagabayan kayo sa proseso, upang maibigay ang nararapat na tulong para sa inyo.”
Marikina First District Representative Maan Teodoro shared that many of the residents who seek the help of her office are dialysis patients.
“Pero sa dami po ng bumibisita sa aming opisina, ang kadalasan na nilalapit ay mga pasyente na kailangan ng hemodialysis. Ang chronic kidney disease po ay pang-apat sa listahan ng mga sakit na nararanasan sa bansa. Kaya naman batid ko po kung gaano kalaki ang gastos ng mga tests, maintenance medicine, at lalo na ng maintenance procedures na kinakailangan ng tuloy-tuloy na sessions. Ibig sabihin, tuloy-tuloy rin itong pagsubok para sa mga pamilya,” she noted.
Through the efforts of the Marikina LGU in partnership with PhilHealth, Marikina City now has a dialysis center complete with top-notch equipment, competent nephrologists, nurses, and technicians to cater to our patients. Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and Marikina Valley Hospital will also serve as partners to respond to emergency cases, she added.
“Ngayon, mayroon na po tayong health center para sa ating dialysis patients. Mayroon na tayong mas malapit na facility, hindi na lamang sa public hospitals tulad ng NKTI o mga private dialysis centers,” the lawmaker stressed.
“Sa pangkaraniwan, halos 40,000 to 60,000 ang nagagastos ng pasyente sa isang buwan pa lang. Sa ating dialysis center, ang dialysis treatment, EPO, IV iron, at dialyzer, ay libre na,” she went on.
Meanwhile, Senator Koko Pimentel, who was accompanied by his wife Kat, also congratulated the city for opening its very own dialysis center.
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