CCMC to have 10 dialysis machines in new building

Cebuanos’ lifestyle compels need for dialysis centers, research

By Jose Santino S. Bunachita
PIO Reporter

CEBU CITY (Nov. 2, 2022) – More government dialysis centers mean cheaper treatment options for Cebuanos who have kidney problems.

Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar II, medical director of Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), welcomed House Bill (HB) No. 2768 that South District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama, Jr. filed that seeks to establish a Kidney Institute in Cebu.

“Nindot ni siya kay at least, dili na ma-congest ang mga patients sa hospitals,” he said. “Continuity of care is also assured as the institute will complement related hospital services,” he added.

Having a Kidney Institute in Cebu, which does not only handle treatment, but also the prevention and diagnosis of kidney problems, is important as there is now a rising number of people with kidney problems, he pointed out.

“Nindot ni siya kay at least, dili na ma-congest ang mga patients sa hospitals. Continuity of care is also assured as the institute will complement related hospital services.”

Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar II, CCMC medical director

Reposar told Cebu City News it is partly because of the lifestyle of many Cebuanos that led to an increase in cases of diabetes.

One complication of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy that requires patients to undergo dialysis, he explained.

Currently, the CCMC has five dialysis machines placed at its temporary dialysis center at the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC) in the North Reclamation Area.

Part of the floor plan of the new CCMC building is to have a dialysis center located within the hospital.

“Ang direction sa CCMC is by next year, ma-Level 3 na ta. We can have our dialysis units within the hospital para ang patients, dili na kailangan i-transport to CCQC,” Reposar said.

Once the additional floors at CCMC will be finished, the hospital will operate more than 10 dialysis machines.

CCMC consultant Dr. Mary Jean Loreche lauded Rama’s initiative because patients in Cebu and neighboring provinces do not have to go to Metro Manila to get treatment if Cebu has its own specialty center.

“This will allow those who are in need to save time and money,” she said in a statement released to the press yesterday.

Under Rama’s HB No. 2768, the Kidney Institute of Cebu shall specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, rehabilitation and/or relief of kidney disease and allied diseases.

It will also have its own Board of Trustees that will be chaired by the Secretary of Health. The institute will be funded by the National Government under its General Appropriations Act.

Based on the Congress’ official website, the proposed bill of Mayor Mike Rama’s nephew is currently pending with the Committee on Health after its first reading last August.

In his explanatory note, Rep. Rama cited data from the International Society of Nephrology that says between 8 to 10 percent of the adult population live with some form of kidney damage, and millions of people die prematurely every year due to its complications.

In the Philippines, each dialysis session ranges from P2,000 to P7,000. Patients undergo at least three sessions per week.

“The cost of medical care for such a common disease is outrageous,” the congressman wrote.