CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A total of 4,131 Kapampangans undergoing dialysis treatment from various municipalities in Pampanga received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Government of Pampanga on May 8.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda personally checked on the beneficiaries and their families during separate distribution activities held in the municipalities of Lubao, Magalang, Mexico, and Apalit.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Gov. Pineda emphasized the Capitol’s steadfast commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Pampanga, particularly for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as kidney disease. She said the provincial government continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including the ongoing construction and expansion of medical facilities in different parts of the province.
Among these projects are the ongoing construction of a hospital in Apalit, the opening of a new district hospital in Bacolor, and the upcoming groundbreaking ceremonies for provincial hospitals in the municipalities of San Luis and Arayat. “Buri mi pu ilapit mila pu reng ospital kareng balen-balen bang ala kong bayaran. Buri ku pu asabatan miya ing dialysis. Ekami pu tuknang sumaup kasi balu mi ing sakit yu,” the governor said.
Aside from the P5,000 financial assistance provided through the DSWD, each beneficiary also received half a sack of rice from the provincial government.
“Kaunti na lang namamatay sa dialysis kasi ngayon libre na dahil sa gobyerno. Nung may bayad, maraming namamatay dahil hindi kaya ang gastos. Ngayong okay na tapos may ayuda pa mula sa Kapitolyo at DSWD kaya malaking tulong talaga sa mga may sakit,” said Pedro Sunga, husband of one of the dialysis patients.
Data show that since late 2024, PhilHealth has covered up to 156 hemodialysis sessions per year for CKD (chronic kidney disease) Stage 5 patients, with the benefit rate increased to P6,350 per session. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
