POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO — The Polomolok Municipal Hospital (PMH) is now 90 percent ready for the opening of its Hemodialysis Unit (HDU), marking another milestone under Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.’s flagship healthcare program aimed at strengthening accessible and free medical services across the province.
Juvy Eborde, Polomolok Administrative Officer, confirmed that preparations are in their final stages, with only regulatory clearance remaining before full operations begin.
“The facility is scheduled to undergo inspection by the Department of Health (DOH) on February 25, which serves as the final requirement for the unit to formally operate,” she said.
In preparation for the opening, the hospital has started shortlisting and profiling prospective patients.
“This process is intended to determine eligible beneficiaries and organize the initial batch of individuals who will receive dialysis treatment once the unit becomes operational,” Eborde emphasized.
Eborde was reassigned to PMH to lead the establishment of the hospital’s Dialysis Center and to elevate its services from an infirmary to a fully accredited Level 1 hospital.
This strategic initiative, directed by the Governor underscores the administration’s commitment to providing high-quality care and strengthening the free hospitalization program for the community.
According to Mae M. Baes, Nurse II at PMH, the Hemodialysis Unit is fully equipped with 10 dialysis machines.
“The hospital plans to operate the unit in three shifts to accommodate more patients daily,” she said.
However, during its initial rollout, the facility will begin with one shift while gradually transitioning to a full three-shift schedule as operations stabilize.
The establishment of the dialysis center forms part of the province’s broader healthcare expansion strategy.
Under Governor Tamayo’s leadership, healthcare remains a top priority, with programs focused on improving infrastructure, increasing service capacity, and institutionalizing free hospitalization in government hospitals.
With the addition of the Polomolok facility, South Cotabato will now have three government-operated dialysis centers, located in Norala, Koronadal City, and Polomolok.
The new unit is expected to help decongest existing centers and reduce travel time and related expenses for patients undergoing regular dialysis treatment.
Baes assured the public that the facility is prepared to deliver quality and patient-centered care, adhering to established safety and clinical standards.
In line with the province’s zero-billing policy, dialysis services at PMH will be covered under South Cotabato’s free hospitalization program, ensuring that qualified patients will not be charged for hospital services.
Once cleared by the DOH, the Polomolok Municipal Hospital Hemodialysis Unit is expected to further enhance renal healthcare access in the province, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to making essential medical services available to every South Cotabateño.
