The Province of Bukidnon now has its first-ever public hemodialysis center. A total of 7 brand-new hemodialysis machines for End Stage Renal Disease patients were turned over to the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in Malaybalay City on April 7, 2021. The hemodialysis center is now operational.

Hemodialysis is a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean blood.

The project, according to Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, stemmed from the request filed by his brother, Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman Manuel “Manoy” Zubiri during the 2019 Bukidnon Anti-Poverty Summit. Migz Zubiri then immediately allocated Php 10 Million.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health spent Php 15 Million to construct the first floor of the center. The Bukidnon provincial government also spent Php 10 Million for the second floor and for manpower and other operational costs.

Congressman Manoy Zubiri announced that he aims to develop more hemodialysis centers in areas where there are public hospitals such as the Municipalities of Kibawe, Maramag and Manolo Fortich.

Zubiri said that he aims to serve more people in need of dialysis treatments. With the new center, patients need not travel far to receive treatment. He also urged Bukidnon residents to avail of the center’s services.

According to an article published by the Department of Health, dialysis treatments cost Php 600 to Php 4,500 per session. The rates usually depend if the patient has insurance coverage or not. On average, a dialysis patient would need to undergo 3 sessions per week.

All photos courtesy of the Office of Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Manuel Zubiri

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