(Photo courtesy: PIA 10)
MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the provision of additional free hemodialysis for many Filipinos who need the life-saving medical treatment.
“Upang mas lalo pang makatulong sa mga pasyente, ang dating siyam-napung libreng dialysis sessions ay inakyat na natin sa isandaan at limampu’t anim. Mga kababayan, libre na po ngayon ang dialysis para sa karamihan ng Pilipino (In order to help patients even more, we have increased the previous 90 free dialysis sessions to 156. Fellow Filipinos, dialysis is now free for most citizens),” Pres. Marcos said during his second State of the Nation Address held at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
This healthcare measure, he said, is aimed at alleviating the burden on underprivileged individuals who require dialysis treatment, ensuring that they no longer need to worry about the financial costs, and reflecting the government's commitment to better serve the healthcare needs of the people.
He also emphasized that this expansion in services would benefit the majority of the Filipino population.
Moreover, the President highlighted the Medical Assistance for Indigents Patients (MAP) program by the Department of Health, which has already extended health assistance to over 3.4 million Filipinos.
Addressing the shortage of doctors and nurses in the country, President Marcos assured the public that the government is actively working to resolve this issue. Reforms in education and ongoing training programs are being implemented to meet the healthcare workforce's demands and ensure their well-being.
“Tinutugunan natin ngayon ang ating kakulangan sa mga doctor at mga nurse, sa pamamagitan ng mga reporma sa edukasyon, patuloy na pagsasanay, at paniniguro sa kanilang kapakanan,” he said.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic, both in private and public hospitals, the government is set to provide them with the Covid health emergency allowance and other benefits they deserve.
“Upang masuklian naman ang naging sakripisyo ng ating mga health workers sa pribado at pampubliko na mga ospital noong nakaraang pandemya, ipapamahagi na sa kanila ang kanilang Covid health emergency allowance at iba pang mga nabinbing benepisyo,” he added. (PIA-NCR)
