Mayor John Rey Tiangco checks on dialysis patients who are receiving treatment in Navotas City Hospital. (Photo Courtesy: Navotas City Public Information Office)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – A total of eight (8) new hemodialysis machines were installed in the Navotas City Hospital (NCH), the local government announced on Friday, February 23.
Through the additional machines, the NCH was able to increase the slots for patients in need of free dialysis treatment.
The newly installed hemodialysis units in Navotas City Hospital. (Photo Courtesy: Navotas PIO)
It can now accommodate 21 sessions per day for non-infectious patients from the previous 15 sessions daily limit. Meanwhile, the hospital designated one machine or 3 sessions for the use of patients with healthcare-associated infections.
On a weekly basis, patients undergo an average of 2 to 3 dialysis treatments.
Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) can avail of maximum 156 free hemodialysis sessions every year.
Upon or prior to reaching this limit, dialysis patients from Navotas are then enrolled in relevant national and local medical assistance programs to help cover the P2,600 treatment cost per session.
For them to be included in the list of beneficiaries, they must undergo a checkup by a nephrologist or internal physician and receive briefing on treatment protocols, policies, and schedules, among others.
Mayor John Rey Tiangco leads the blessing of hemodialysis units in Navotas City Hospital. (Photo Courtesy: Navotas PIO)
“We seek to provide the best possible medical services that's why we also strive to keep our equipment and facilities in top shape,” said Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco.
Meanwhile, NCH Medical Director Spica Acoba also extended gratitude to the primary stakeholders who continuously provide for the improvement of the local healthcare system in the city.
“Gusto ko lang po magpasalamat sa mga taong tumutulong para diretso po natin mabigyan ng magandang serbisyo ang ating mga pasyente,” Acoba stated during the blessing of the hemodialysis units.
(I just want to thank the people who support the hospital’s aim of providing direct healthcare services to our patients)
Tiangco, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of preventive care alongside curative care.
"More than giving them these services, we want Navoteños to take good care of their health to avoid contracting lifestyle diseases and undergoing treatments," the local chief executive highlighted.
It can be recalled that the hemodialysis unit of the NCH first became available for patients in 2017.
At present, the local government is projecting to build an intensive care unit (ICU) in NCH for acutely ill and injured patients needing critical care and life support. This is apart from the city’s continuous initiative to increase the accreditation of facilities in NCH to further improve the quality of healthcare. (Navotas PIO/PIA-NCR)
