Revilla pushes for free dialysis treatment for all Filipino indigents

Sen Bong Revilla, Jr., on Monday, filed the Comprehensive Renal Replacement Therapy Act of 2019 aiming to provide free dialysis treatment for indigent patients suffering from different kidney conditions. Kidney disease has consistently ranked in the 10 most deadly diseases in the Philippines and worldwide. If passed into law, all national, provincial, and regional government hospitals, including all stand-alone dialysis facilities will be required to establish, operate and maintain a dialysis service facility in their hospital.

"This bill is the answer to the long-standing problem of our indigent patients suffering from various kidney diseases. Titiyakin natin na gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat para madugtungan ang kanilang buhay," Revilla said.

Through this bill, all patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) will be referred to a DOH-accredited transplant facility to attend a pre-transplant orientation and to be counselled on the advantages of undergoing transplantation as the best treatment for kidney failure.

"Napakabigat sa bulsa ang magpadialysis. Isipin ninyo, kung P4,500 ang isang session, 2 to 3 beses isang linggo, tapos wala pa doon ang doctor's fee at nephrologist service, paano na lang yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan?" he added.

The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the DSWD and other pertinent agencies, shall establish a comprehensive rehabilitation program for ESRD patients who have undergone kidney transplant in order to help them reach their fullest physical, psychological, social, vocational, avocational, and educational potential consistent with their physiologic or anatomic condition, environmental limitations, life plans and desires.