Dialysis is a procedure that the common people dread. It’s expensive and would require several sessions. If a patient can afford one session at the very least, the succeeding ones will be very hard to continue. But here’s good news to the indigent Filipinos. The House of Representatives has passed the final reading of the bill that intends to give free dialysis.
House Bill 9156 got 177 votes, a unanimous decision among the congressmen. This bill aims to give indigent patients free renal replacement treatment in government hospitals to those that are on the last stage of kidney failure. This bill will also increase the PhilHealth package to members that are suffering from kidney failure.
What is Dialysis and When is it Needed
When the kidneys no longer function normally, dialysis is needed to aid it in doing its function of taking care of the needs of the body. When the kidneys lose 85-90% if its function, dialysis will be needed to perform what normal kidneys do.
Dialysis removes extra water, salt, and waste to avoid building up in the body. It also keeps a harmless level of some chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium. Also, it helps in controlling the blood pressure.
Organ Donation
The qualified patients will be included in the “No Balance Billing Policy”. The facilities will also be required to pursue organ donor advocacy. This will also help inform the Filipino that they should always bring their donor card with them.
PCSO
When the PhilHealth Z-benefit Package of the indigent patient is consumed, the PCSO will help finance the remaining sessions
PhilHealth Z-benefit Package
his bill also aims to increase the PhilHealth Z-benefit package of patients that have undergone kidney transplant procedure. Dialysis nurses and technicians, OR nurses, and nephrologists will also undergo training.
Thankful Patients
The indigent patients and their respective families welcome this news as the best one they’ve heard so far. They will finally be able to feel some relief once this bill becomes a law.
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