Aksyon Agad Dialysis Center launched in QC’s District 1
A dialysis center that will offer free services to the public has been opened in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City.
Called Aksyon Agad Dialysis Center, the facility is seen to “offer life-saving treatment to those who need it the most—our underprivileged kababayans who are battling kidney disease,” according to Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlo “Arjo” Atayde.
The Aksyon Agad Dialysis Center has 20 dialysis machines from Japan that can serve up to 60 patients per day.
The project has the support of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and was built in collaboration with the local government and members of Congress.
Atayde said he aims to add at least three more dialysis centers in Quezon City’s First District through public and private partnerships.
During its launch on October 8, Atayde explained that “kidney disease is a major public health issue in our country. Sa katunayan, ang sakit sa bato ay isa sa mga pangunahing problemang pangkalusugan sa ating bansa.”
“Ayon sa National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), ang sakit sa bato ay pang-pitong nangungunang sanhi ng kamatayan sa Pilipinas. Humigit-kumulang 35,000 na mga Pilipino ang sumasailalim sa dialysis kada taon, at patuloy pang tumataas ang bilang na ito.”
The lawmaker lamented that due to the high costs of treatment, “many of our sick countrymen are left struggling, forced to choose between their health and their livelihood. Buhay, o hanapbuhay.”
“Marami sa atin ay may kakilala—isang kamaganak, kaibigan, o kapitbahay—na dumaan o kasalukuyang dumadaan sa hirap ng pagkakaroon ng sakit sa bato. Para sa iba, ito’y matagal nang laban, at para sa iba naman, ito’y biglang dumating at lubos na nakakaapekto sa kanilang buhay,” Atayde said.
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