PHO pushes peritoneal dialysis in lieu of hemodialysis

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) is pushing peritoneal dialysis as a cheaper alternative for hemodialysis.

Dr. Rene Catan, PHO head, said the procedure also has a similar survival rate, if not higher.

Hemodialysis is a process of cleansing the blood of a patient by sifting it through a machine before the cleansed blood returns to the body.

It needs a machine, which replaces the function of the kidney, and a professional operator for the session to be carried out. Since the machines are expensive, hemodialysis is done in hospitals and dialysis centers.

On the contrary, peritoneal dialysis utilizes a body part located at the abdominal cavity called peritoneum. It is a semi-permeable membrane which performs a sifting function similar to the kidneys.

The medical procedure includes the insertion of a tube in the body, which is classified as a minor operation. Then, dialysate is inserted through the tube every few hours.

Catan said that aside from the cheaper price, peritoneal dialysis can be carried out even at home and the patients can freely move while the cleansing process is going on.

Cebu Provincial Hospital - Carcar City is already offering the free operation for the installation of tube for peritoneal dialysis. 

Catan said other expenses can be covered by PhilHealth Insurance so Cebuanos do not have to spend much.

Dialysis patients can make use of the Z-benefit package of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) which was given a P270,000-coverage in a year.

Catan explained that the provincial government made Carcar City as a pilot hospital because it is considered as the “biggest catchment area” in southern Cebu.

The procedure has been ready since 2017 but only a few have availed of the service. A patient could save about P36,000 in a month if they avail of the service. — MBG (FREEMAN)