KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) is urging residents to undergo regular kidney screening, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of the conditions, as chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to affect more patients.
Dr. Marilyn Abantao, SCPH Chief of Hospital, said diabetes, hypertension, and kidney infections are among the conditions that can contribute to the development of CKD.
“Dapat healthy lifestyle gid ta, sa aton ginakaon, sa aton man nga gina-inom,” Abantao said.
She said people should not wait for symptoms before seeking medical assessment, particularly those who have relatives with diabetes or hypertension.
Abantao also identified unhealthy lifestyle practices as factors that may increase the risk of developing CKD, urging the public to be more conscious of their food and drink intake.
“Limit soft drinks and salty and processed food,” she advised.
For patients already diagnosed with CKD, she said dietary restrictions become stricter, including limiting red meat depending on their medical condition.
Abantao further emphasized the importance of regular blood and urine tests and creatinine monitoring, noting that kidney function can deteriorate without immediately producing noticeable symptoms.
She identified paleness, easily becoming short of breath or fatigued while walking, and swelling of the feet as warning signs that should prompt medical consultation.
The increasing need for kidney care is also reflected in SCPH’s dialysis services, which currently cater to 48 hemodialysis patients and eight patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
James Agustin, Nurse II at SCPH, said the hospital’s peritoneal dialysis service is the first of its kind in SOCSKSARGEN.
“Being the first to offer peritoneal dialysis in Region 12 allows us to bring life-saving renal care straight to the patient’s home. It significantly cuts down their travel expenses and hospital visits, giving chronic kidney disease patients a continuous treatment plan while maintaining a higher quality of life with their families,” Agustin said.
Hospital officials continue to emphasize early detection, particularly among people with known risk factors, as kidney disease cases in the province show no signs of slowing down. They reiterated that regular screening remains the most effective way to catch CKD before it progresses to a stage requiring dialysis or other intensive treatment.
“This service completely changes how we manage kidney care in South Cotabato and the entire region. Patients are no longer tied to heavy hospital machines three times a week; they gain back their time, independence, and dignity through a safe, home-based procedure,” Agustin explained.
