GUAGUA, Pampanga – The Pampanga Provincial Dialysis Center 1 has officially opened its doors to provide free dialysis treatment to indigent patients in the 2nd District of Pampanga, following its inauguration and blessing ceremony held on April 11.
Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the ceremony, joined by Alejandro Tengco, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
The newly inaugurated facility is a realization of Governor Pineda’s vision in 2019, made possible through the collaboration of partner agencies including PAGCOR and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“Nabuo po itong dialysis center dahil po sa mga pasyente po na nakakausap at lumalapit sa atin. Sa araw-araw po na nagda-dialysis sila, hirap na hirap na po silang maghanap ng pamasahe, pagkain, at minsan pagdating sa treatment may extra charges pa, kaya yun po ang binigyan natin ng solusyon. Bukod sa facility, magbibigay din po tayo ng medical assistance para sa mga maintenance ng mga pasyante,” he explained.
PAGCOR allocated P52.9 million for the procurement of 43 dialysis machines and a water reverse osmosis system, while the DPWH contributed P29.3 million for the construction of the center’s building. Operations of the facility will be managed under a public-private partnership between the Provincial Government of Pampanga and B. Braun Philippines.
According to the provincial health office, the center can accommodate over 120 patients daily in two shifts from Monday to Saturday. Each patient may avail of up to 156 dialysis sessions annually, with assistance from PhilHealth.
PAGCOR also expressed its continued support for other upcoming healthcare facilities in the province, including the Multi-Specialty Hospital in Clark.
“Nasa tamang direksyon, sinabi ko nga kay Nanay kanina eh kung ang bawat probinsya lang ay magkakaroon ng ganitong uri ng proyekto wala pong duda na marami po sa ating mga kababayan na tunay na matutulungan natin,” enthused Tengco.
In addition to the Guagua Dialysis Center, the Provincial Government is set to open four more dialysis centers, including those in the City of San Fernando and Apalit, the latter of which is scheduled to be inaugurated next month.
As of the latest PHO records, the province is currently assisting 3,494 dialysis patients across Pampanga.
Present during the inauguration were Dr. Corazon I. Flores, director of the Department of Health–Central Luzon Center for Health and Development, Region III; Venus F. Rebuldela, director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region III; Henry P. Almanon, regional vice president of PhilHealth – Region III; and Dr. Monserrat S. Chichioco, medical center chief of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital.
They were joined by 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc, Guagua Mayor Anthony Joseph Torres, Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera, board members Fritzie David Dizon, Sajid Eusoof, and Atty. Claire Lim, special assistant to the governor Angelina Blanco, and PHO OIC Dr. Dax Tidula. Pampanga PIO
