Health care. Gov. Lilia Pineda and Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon check on one of the first patients at the newly-opened dialysis center in Magalang, Pampanga. Story on page 1.
Photo courtesy of Jun Jaso/Pampanga PIO
MAGALANG, Pampanga –Gov. Lilia Pineda and a foundation named after a former Pampanga governor opened on Wednesday a dialysis center at the district hospital here, allowing more patients access to lower fees for kidney disease-related treatments.
Pineda and the Bren Z. Guiao Foundation (BZGF) chaired by Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao fulfilled their promise to establish the center at the Dr. Andres Soriano District Hospital (DASDH). Guiao is the son of the late former two-term governor.
It could be recalled that when Pineda inaugurated the birthing station in the same hospital late last year, she and Guiao vowed to put up a dialysis center.
Pineda and Guiao tapped the services of the St. Theresa Dialysis Center, Inc. (STDCI) to primarily serve residents of Magalang, Mabalacat City in the first district, and Arayat and Mexico towns.
Dr. Joy Mallari, head of the STDCI, said they have five dialysis machines, two of which were being used for two patients when Pineda and Guiao inspected the center. She said they could treat at least 10 patients daily.
The STDCI headed by its president, Pelagro Pangilinan, said the “normal fee” for one session of a dialysis treatment ranges from P2,300 to P3,000.
Guiao said that with the support of Pineda and the foundation the fee for one session could go as low as P800.
“We are not here to gain profit but to just have enough revolving funds to continue the operation of the center for the benefit of the people,” said Guiao.
Board Members Fritzie David-Dizon, Cris Garbo and Trina Dizon and Mabalacat City Councilor Cherry Manalo joined Pineda in opening the dialysis center.
In 2011, Pineda opened the first-ever dialysis center in any of the 10 district and one provincial hospitals of Pampanga. It is at the Diosadado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital (DPMMH) in Guagua town.
Magalang is at the northwest portion, while Guagua is at the southeast of Pampanga.
Dr. Eddie Ponio, head of the DPMMH, said they have eight dialysis machines. He added that they serve at least 16 patients daily.
“We are always full since we opened. The center opens as early as 6:00 a.m. to maximize the time and opportunity to serve more people,” said Ponio. He added that their patients come from the all the 18 towns and there cities of the province.
The opening of the new dialysis center will help decongest their center at the DPMMH, said Ponio.
