South Cotabato, Philippines — Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., strengthens access to life-saving dialysis services through the operation of three dialysis centers strategically located in key government hospitals across the province.
According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sonia Bautista, the first dialysis center is operating at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital.
“The dialysis center at the Provincial Hospital is fully operational with three shifts daily, maximizing each unit to serve three patients every day,” Bautista said.
She added that the Norala District Hospital Dialysis Center is also currently operational, while the Polomolok District Hospital Dialysis Center has started accommodating patients.
“Patients who were earlier listed when the Governor declared the opening of the dialysis center have already been forwarded to the Polomolok facility, which is now responsible for informing and accommodating them,” Bautista explained.
Bautista noted a decrease in the number of assistance requests for dialysis, largely due to the service being covered under PhilHealth dialysis packages, which allow patients to maximize a set number of treatment days.
“While dialysis treatment is already free for patients, some still seek assistance, particularly for additional medical needs such as dialysis tubing, which can be costly, especially when replacements are required,” she said.
The Provincial Government, through the OPSWDO and partner hospitals, remains committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and sustainable dialysis services, easing the financial burden on patients and their families while improving health outcomes across South Cotabato.
