MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — Advancing healthcare access in the community, residents of Misamis Occidental suffering from chronic kidney disease can now receive treatment free of charge as the new hemodialysis unit of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital opened on October 25.
Jesbert Mag-usa, 35, from Sapang Dalaga, has faced stage 5 chronic kidney disease for six years. He shared that he used to pay 1,100 to 1,450 pesos per dialysis session at St. Therese Hospital in Oroquieta City. Now, he is grateful to receive free treatments at the new MOPH, thanks to the provincial government.
“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mahal na governor na binigyan niya kami ng ganitong libreng dialysis. Malaking tulong na rin samin kasi wala na kaming hanapbuhay, hindi makapagtrabaho ng maayos,” Mag-usa said.
(I am deeply thankful to our beloved governor for this free dialysis. It is a tremendous help for us, especially since we cannot work properly due to our health issues.)
Meanwhile, dialysis patient Carl Escabarte, a resident of Talic, Oroquieta City, shared, “Natuman gyud ang among pangandoy nga ma-extend among kinabuhi aron makauban pa namo among pamilya. Dako kaayo kini’g tabang para kanamo, kay sauna, dakog bayad pero karon wala na’y bayad, unya matag buwan pa gyud kami tagaan ug medical assistance nga nagkantidad ug P3,000. Mao nga dako kaayo among pasalamat kang governor. Lisod gyud sauna kay usahay wala’y schedule ug puno ang slots.”
(Our dream to extend our lives and spend more time with our families has finally come true. This is a huge help for us because before, we had to pay a lot, but now there are no fees, and each month we even receive medical assistance worth P3,000. That’s why we are very grateful to the governor. It was difficult before because sometimes there were no available schedules, and slots were full.)
Gov. Henry Oaminal emphasized the commitment to quality healthcare, saying, “With that high quality, among ipasiguro kaninyo nga kini nga gobyerno sa Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, apil ang liderato sa 14 ka munisipyo ug 3 ka syudad, nga ang among pagserbisyo kaninyo kalidad na ug libre pa. Wala na kamo’y gasto nga bayran, bisan usa ka sentimo, kung kamo mga beneficiaries niining atong hemodialysis center.”
(We assure you that the provincial government of Misamis Occidental, along with the leadership of our 14 municipalities and 3 cities, is dedicated to providing you with high-quality, free services. You will not incur any expenses as beneficiaries of our hemodialysis center.)
The Hemodialysis Unit (HDU) features a total of 31 machines and can accommodate an average of 93 patients daily. It operates from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, with treatment sessions running from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., offering 4-hour sessions three times a week.
Two nephrologists and four physicians staff the unit, ensuring expert medical care at all times. A team of 23 nurses and eight technicians, trained at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, support the unit in delivering high-quality service.
As the Hemodialysis Unit progresses toward full operation under the No Balance Billing Program, more residents of Misamis Occidental will benefit from this essential service—completely free of charge, with additional medical assistance of P3,000 per month from the provincial government.
This development reduces the need for long-distance travel for treatment and significantly enhances the community’s overall well-being. This initiative aligns with the Asenso administration’s broader goals of providing quality, accessible healthcare for all and fulfilling the aspirations of universal health care. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
