LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) has stepped up its efforts in preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) as it launched observance of National Kidney Month with a region-wide symposium on Thursday, June 27.
During the symposium, officers from the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) Bicol Chapter discussed the latest in kidney diseases, CKD treatment and management, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits.
According to DOH Bicol CHD Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz, there are over 5,147 patients in the Bicol region suffering from chronic kidney diseases, with 47 hemodialysis facilities available, as recorded by the Philippine Renal Disease Registry.
In his speech, Albornoz stated that the symposium’s goal is to raise awareness of the risks of kidney disease and highlight the government’s services and support aimed at reducing the prevalence of CKD while enhancing facility services and patient management strategies.
He also mentioned that the PhilHealth dialysis benefit package has been increased from P2,600 to P4,000, covering up to 156 sessions annually.
Dr. Raymond Martin Corpus, DOH Bicol’s regional program manager for lifestyle-related disease prevention and control, presented an overview of the kidney program and discussed the implementation guidelines for institutionalizing chronic kidney disease prevention and control under the DOH.
“The DOH Bicol CHD is intensifying its advocacy to prevent CKD, as evidenced by the symposium conducted after its implementation in 2021,” Corpus stated. Dr. Joy Galino-Lacerna, president of the PSN Bicol chapter, emphasized the “8 Golden Rules” of kidney health:
1) Keep fit and be active
2) Eat a healthy diet
3) Check and control your blood sugar
4) Check and control your blood pressure
5) Take appropriate fluid intake
6) Don’t smoke
7) Avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/pain-killer pills regularly
8) Get your kidney function checked if you have any high-risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity.
Dr. Liza Mary Pangilinan-Palencia, an adult nephrologist and member of the PSN Bicol chapter, highlighted the importance of early screening and detection, especially in primary care centers and Rural Health Units (RHUs).
Pangilinan-Palencia also discussed various ways to treat CKD, such as conservative methods, in addition to dialysis.
“With early education and early prevention, lives may be prolonged up to 20 more years,” Pangilinan-Palencia said.
Dr. Edgar Remonte Jr., an adult nephrologist, shared numerous ways to help individuals at high risk of CKD achieve a healthier lifestyle to manage complications and medications.
Additionally, Albornoz stated that the DOH Bicol CHD is committed to upholding Universal Health Care, providing opportunities for every stakeholder in the medical community to be trained and empowered.
This includes barangay health workers, school nurses, and rural health medical staff. Rosalita Marquez, a barangay health worker from Barangay Bitano, Legazpi City, expressed that the symposium was an eye-opener for them at the barangay level regarding the proper referral system and knowledge of kidney diseases.
The symposium was anchored on the theme, “Malusog na Bato, Abot Kamay ng Bawat Pilipino,” which underscored the flagship health program of the Marcos’ administration under the Bagong Pilipinas, “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga.” (PIA5/KAB)
