In the Philippines, an estimated 70,000 people undergo dialysis, though the actual number may be higher. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a pressing public health issue in the country, with a prevalence of 35.94%, significantly higher than global estimates of 9.1–13.4%.
My brother John is among those battling CKD, a condition that has drastically altered his life since he began dialysis in August 2024. Despite his healthier upbringing in Cadiz City—surrounded by fresh air and vegetables on our family farm—his diagnosis was likely influenced by unmanaged diabetes and hypertension, the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the Philippines.
Initially treated at Bacolod Doctors Hospital, his care incurred substantial costs. Thankfully, with support from our family abroad and PhilHealth, he transferred to a dialysis center in Cadiz City, where sessions are covered. However, additional medications and essentials remain a financial burden.
PhilHealth now covers up to 156 dialysis sessions annually, but this is often insufficient for the full spectrum of patient needs.
Nationally, 94 percent of ESRD patients rely on center-based hemodialysis (HD), while only 4 percent use peritoneal dialysis (PD), and a mere 2 percent undergo kidney transplants due to cost and infrastructure barriers. The rising prevalence of CKD—driven by lifestyle factors like poor diet and non-compliance with medical advice—underscores the urgent need for early detection and better management.
During my time in the Middle East in the early 2000s, I observed a concerning rise in dialysis cases, likely linked to the scarcity of fresh drinking water. The region relied heavily on desalinated seawater, which sometimes may not have been adequately processed, potentially impacting health outcomes.
I recall some friends who underwent dialysis; one of them now leads a happy life after receiving a kidney transplant a decade ago. Her journey, however, was far from easy. CYA, as we normally call ourselves in Marsman thru initials of our names, once shared with me that her entire salary was consumed by dialysis treatments. It was through divine intervention that she became a recipient of a free transplant operation at NKTI, thanks to a raffle system. Her sister selflessly donated her kidney, showcasing the profound love and sacrifice within families.
In the Philippines, healthcare challenges are compounded by high out-of-pocket expenses, which push many families into poverty. Universal health coverage efforts aim to address these issues, but CKD remains a pressing concern due to its increasing prevalence and the financial strain of treatment like dialysis. Addressing CKD requires preventive strategies, early detection, and improved access to care to mitigate its impact worldwide
John’s journey reflects the struggles faced by many Filipino families: balancing hope with financial realities. While government subsidies have eased some burdens, out-of-pocket expenses remain substantial. Ultimately, we place his fate in God’s hands while continuing to support him with love and care. ||
