Hike in dialysis patients noted

By Cheneen R. Capon
The number of patients undergoing dialysis in Davao Region increased by 10 percent last year.
Philippine Society Nephrology (PSN)-Davao Chapter member Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-Ang told media during the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday that the group recorded a total of 1,299 new cases last year.
“The region ranked fifth in the country in terms of the number of patients under dialysis,” Bad-ang said.
She said there are a total of 428 patients in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), 135 in Digos City, and more than 200 patients in Tagum City undergoing dialysis.
“The increase is very alarming. That’s why we end each year with a reminder to the public to take care of their kidneys,” Bad-ang said.
Bad-ang said the acceptance level among patients who are suffering from kidney failure also increased.
“Patients realized that their lives can be extended by 15 to 20 years longer if they undergo dialysis,” she said.
Patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stone are most likely to suffer from kidney failure.
Bad-ang said the worsening lifestyle of Dabawenyos is one of the reasons for the increase in the number of people having kidney failure.
She said there are only 500 to 600 nephrologists in the country who can provide services to the increasing number of patients who have to undergo dialysis.
She also said dialysis is an expensive medical service.
“A patient has to undergo two to three sessions per week and each costs P4,500 depending on the institution,” she said.
Philhealth members can avail themselves of dialysis at P1,000 to P1,500 per session.
Bad-ang said undergoing kidney transplant is a cheaper operation for patients.
“It only cost 250,000 for Philhealth members who have donors,” she said. “Donor should be a family member who are up to second degree of sanguinity.”
Bad-ang said f the 263 kidney transplant operations conducted nationwide, only 16 were conducted in Davao Region.
In celebration of the World Kidney Day today, Bad-ang urged the public to take a glass of water and post a photo on any social media site to encourage other to take care of their kidneys.