CCMC to get dialysis machines

CEBU, Philippines - An organization of joggers at the Cebu City Sports Center will donate two units of dialysis machines to Cebu City Medical Center for the use of the poor residents who are suffering from kidney diseases.

Councilor Edgardo Labella, a member of the Walk and Talk Friendship Club, said they have agreed to look for certain projects that can help the underprivileged people especially those suffering from illness.

The councilor explained the group, headed by businessman Ramon Dakay, was able to get donations from their contacts in the United States who donated two units of dialysis machines.

Labella said their group was the one that paid the duties and taxes for the donated medical equipment and these are already in Cebu City and will be turned over to the CCMC soon. 

According to him, the dialysis machines are badly needed at the city hospital, which do not yet have such kind of medical equipment for the use of kidney patients.

Kidney dialysis is used for patients who have either suddenly lost kidney function or have chronic kidney disease that gradually robs the kidneys of their functions.

The kidneys have two functions in the body. They filter the blood, remove waste products and condense them into urine. They also secrete various hormones that are important for vitamin processing and blood pressure maintenance.

If the kidney of a person is no longer functional, the dialysis machines are able to replace the blood filtration function of the kidneys but not their hormones. But to undergo a dialysis is very expensive that cost at P5,000 per session.

Labella said he will prepare the draft for the memorandum of agreement to be signed by Mayor Michael Rama and Dakay for the acceptance of the donation.

The mayor cannot accept the donation unless it is authorized by the City Council. 

According to Labella, he is happy over the development because there are many people who could not afford to undergo the expensive dialysis.

“Ang uban gud mohukom na lang nga bahala na lang og mamatay sila pagdali kay sa mamaligya sila’g kayutaan nga wala na hinoon sila’y mabilin sa ilang mga anak,” Labella said.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier advised the public not to take so much salty food and carbonated drinks to prevent from being afflicted by kidney disease, which is one of the 10 leading causes of deaths.

Dr. Susan Jorge, assistant program manager of the National Kidney Transplant Institute, said since there are various causes of kidney diseases and the most important step is to have regular check-ups with the doctors and have at least a yearly urine examination. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)