Marcos announces free dialysis and increased kidney transplant aid for PhilHealth members

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that dialysis treatments are now free for all PhilHealth members, covering three sessions per week and necessary medications for the entire year
• The financial assistance limit for kidney transplant procedures has been raised from P600,000 to P2.1 million, providing greater support to patients in need of transplants
• PhilHealth will also shoulder post-procedure medications for kidney transplant patients, ensuring continuous care after surgery
• The Department of Health recently raised concerns over the increasing cases of chronic kidney disease in the Philippines, including among children, which led to the government's expanded health initiatives

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that dialysis treatments are now free for all PhilHealth members, starting this year.

The declaration was made during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, bringing relief to thousands of Filipinos battling kidney diseases.

Marcos specified that the free dialysis coverage includes sessions conducted three times a week, along with the essential medications.

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“Sa mga nagda-dialysis, ang mga session nito na tatlong beses sa isang linggo, libre na sa buong taon. Libre na rin po pati ang mga kinakailangang gamot,” he said.

In a significant move, the President also announced an increase in the financial assistance limit for kidney transplant procedures.

“Kung kakailanganin man ng kidney transplant, inakyat na natin ang limit hanggang P2,100,000 mula sa dating P600,000,” Marcos added, ensuring more patients could access life-saving transplants without the heavy financial burden.

Furthermore, Marcos emphasized that PhilHealth will now cover the post-procedure medications for kidney transplant recipients, providing continuous support even after surgery.

This development comes amid growing concerns raised by the Department of Health (DOH) last month regarding the rising number of chronic kidney disease cases in the Philippines.

The DOH highlighted that kidney ailments are increasingly affecting not just adults but children as well, prompting the government to prioritize this health crisis.

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The free dialysis initiative is expected to benefit thousands of Filipinos who rely on regular treatments, making healthcare more accessible and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients and their families.

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Philippines, elected in May 2022 with a historic majority vote. He is the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country from 1965 to 1986. Before his presidency, Marcos Jr. served in various public offices, including as governor of Ilocos Norte, congressman, and senator.

Born on September 13, 1957, Marcos Jr. studied abroad, attending institutions like Oxford University and Wharton School of Business, though his educational credentials have been subject to public scrutiny. His 2022 presidential campaign focused on themes of unity, economic recovery, agriculture development, and infrastructure continuity under the "Build, Better, More" program.

In other news, a 61-year-old woman died after being run over three times by two SUVs and a sedan at Illinois Street and Aurora Boulevard in Barangay Silangan, Quezon City, on May 17. The victim was initially struck by an SUV, then hit again by a second SUV and a sedan moments later, GMA News showed. QCPD is reviewing CCTV footage and has urged the involved drivers to cooperate with the investigation. The incident has raised public concern over road safety and calls for stricter traffic enforcement in the area.

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Still in other news, a 16-year-old girl in Antipolo accused a tricycle driver of forcibly taking her to a hotel instead of bringing her home after work around 3 a.m. The victim said the driver ignored her pleas and sped up when she asked to be let off, "binilisan pa niya lalo 'yung takbo ng tricycle niya, natatakot na po ako nun." At the hotel, CCTV showed the driver holding her arm, and the girl said: "hihingi po sana ako ng tulong kaso natatakot po ako sa kanya." The hotel cashier refused to let them check in after suspecting something was wrong, prompting the girl to threaten to report the driver, who then fled the scene, according to ABS-CBN.

Source: KAMI.com.gh