VSMMC’s renal center set for demolition, patients to be referred to other hospitals

CEBU, Philippines — The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center’s renal care and transplant building will be closed starting next month in preparation for the construction of a new building.

Department of Health (DOH)-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas said the closure, which will be done either on April 15 or April 30, is expected to affect more than 300 renal patients.

Bernadas, however, assured the affected patients that they will be referred to other government hospitals of Cebu Province and Cebu City government.

According to Bernadas, those who will not be accommodated in government hospitals would be referred to private dialysis clinics. He added that arrangements are ongoing to ensure that their treatment would be shouldered by the government.

Bernadas added that the VSMMC’s renal center will still cater to hospitalized patients and patients in need of emergency dialysis only.

This set up will be implemented in the next 18 months until the construction of the new building is completed.

In a separate statement, VSMMC said the new renal and transplant building will serve as an apex specialty center to cater to numbers of kidney-related diseases for the people of Cebu and of the Visayas Region.

As part of the preparations for the project, VSMMC has trained the staff at the dialysis centers of the Cebu Provincial Hospitals, which shall make renal care more accessible to patients in the Province soon. The hospital will also work with local government units in localizing renal care for their constituents.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this building project may cause our patients and the public. Rest assured, we shall ensure the most seamless transition possible together with our partners and stakeholders and shall come back at your service with better facilities but with the unique Sotto brand of care,” the VSMMC statement reads.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) observed yesterday, March 9, 2023, the World Kidney Day, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidneys not only to one’s overall health but also to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide.

PSN yesterday launched an initiative dubbed as #STOPCKD.

PSN president Dr. Maaliddin Biruar said that chronic kidney disease is now among the top 5 causes of mortality among Filipinos. The data shows that around seven million Filipinos have CKD at present.

Diabetes and hypertension were identified among top causes of CKD.  Bernadas said that healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking are among the effective ways to prevent CKD.

“Majority have no symptoms especially in early CKD, and so it is best to check with your doctor if you think you (are) at risk,” said Biruar.

The risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, age over 60 years old and family history.

According to the PSN, CKD patients are getting younger now. The median age for CKD patients is now 30 years old from 50 years old.

Kidneys filter around 140 liters of blood daily to create 1 to 1.8 liters of urine and are hardworking organs and important to one’s overall health. The best way to take care of your kidneys is by eating healthy foods, less intake of sugar and salt, drinking adequate water, taking pain relievers only when necessary as well as not abusing in taking supplements. (FREEMAN)