Sarangani Gov. Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao led the groundbreaking ceremony of the first dialysis center with other provincial officials at the Sarangani Capitol compound on Feb. 21.
The dialysis center, amounting to P33 million, will be constructed in a 250-square-meter area adjacent to the prosthetics building and psychiatric ward of the Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH).
Pacquiao stated that the groundbreaking of the dialysis center embodies the "government's pledge for responsive and, more importantly, compassionate governance."
Dr. Aileen Brion, the Chief of Hospital at SPH, said the facility would bridge the gap between the desired and actual level of services offered in a tertiary-level hospital.
Among the six hospitals in Sarangani, Brion identified hypertension, diabetes, and other renal problems as among the top 10 morbidities. She pointed out that if these conditions are “not controlled or treated, they may lead to end-stage renal problems.”
Dialysis is a critical requirement for patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease and kidney failure when renal replacement is not possible. Hence, Brion emphasized the urgency for the center to be established soon.
The two-story facility will be equipped with 20 hemodialysis chairs and an electrical setup that can accommodate equipment like the hemodialysis machine, reverse osmosis, and mobile X-ray, among others.
The hemodialysis clinic will consist of the dialysis service complex and the non-treatment areas, including the reception area.
Brion also said that the dialysis service complex will house the hemodialysis station, nurses' station, water treatment room, supply and storage room, dialyzer reprocessing area, and room for sterile instruments and supplies.
Meanwhile, the non-treatment area will cater to the business office, doctor’s office, waiting area, toilet, and pantry.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dialysis Center coincided with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Animal Bite Treatment Center and HIV/AIDS Treatment Hub.
Pacquiao said the unveiling of the Red Ribbon Hub “will serve as a beacon of hope in Sarangani’s collective fight against HIV/AIDS.”
According to Brion, Sarangani will be the third LGU in SOCCSKSARGEN to have its own HIV Treatment Hub, following South Cotabato and General Santos City.
She mentioned that the SPH already has a trained Infectious Diseases Team “who will conduct the counseling, the testing, and provide all necessary medications like antivirals, all of which are provided free of charge.”
Brion also encouraged the public not to be afraid to visit the hub, get tested for HIV, and avail themselves of free counseling and other services.
To address the increasing number of HIV patients, Brion said the goal is to “capture” and “conduct all necessary interventions.”
She expressed hope that the opening of the doors of the treatment hub “will eventually break the HIV/AIDS stigma.”
In addition, the Sarangani Provincial Hospital has achieved Level 2 accreditation, signifying a heightened standard of care with departmentalized services, specialized intensive care units, respiratory therapy services, an advanced clinical laboratory, and a Level 2 imaging facility equipped with mobile X-ray equipment in addition to its existing healthcare offerings.
This accreditation marks a significant achievement, which underscores the provincial government's dedication to delivering top-tier healthcare services to all residents of Sarangani, said Brion.
The establishment of the HIV Treatment Hub and Animal Bite Treatment Center, alongside the groundbreaking of the Sarangani Dialysis Center, is a manifestation of Pacquiao’s commitment to improve the health and well-being of every Sarangan by “bringing accessible and affordable health services even closer to the people.” (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network/PIA SarGen)
