ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- Senator Imee Marcos led the inauguration of Romblon’s first dialysis center on Saturday, March 16.

Marcos lauded the effort of the provincial government of Romblon in establishing the dialysis center in the island province.

"I would like to congratulate Gov. Otik Riano for his commitment to healthcare services. It is a real challenge," Marcos said.

The new dialysis center, the fifth to be established in the region, is a Public-Private Partnership between the Provincial Government of Romblon and Brilliant Health Care, OPC. It is equipped with 10 dialysis machines and can accommodate up to 20 patients per day.

Governor Jose Riano mentioned that the center is waiting for the approval of its operating permit from the Department of Health.

Senator Marcos also pledged that her office would cover the treatment costs for the first 100 patients of the dialysis center.

"Magandang birthday gift ito sa probinsya. Useless ang pag-unlad, ang iba't ibang investment at trabaho kung walang kalusugan. Hindi ma-enjoy ng tao kung hindi sila malusog, hindi matatag, at hindi malakas ang katawan kaya pagsumikapan talaga natin ang kalusugan," the Senator said, who also expressed her support for upgrading hospitals in the province to enhance healthcare services.

[This is a wonderful birthday gift for the province. Progress, various investments, and jobs are meaningless without good health. People cannot enjoy life if they are not healthy, resilient, and physically strong, so let's strive for good health.]

The dialysis center will be located at Romblon Provincial Hospital in the town of Odiongan. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)