Iloilo City government dialysis center in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro District (PNA file photo by PGLena)
MANILA – Five members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday filed a resolution calling for the adoption of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) coverage for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and his fellow ACT-CIS Party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo filed the House Resolution (HR) 1798 as there is no current PhilHealth coverage for APD compared to manual PD and hemodialysis.
“Expanding PhilHealth coverage for APD would ensure greater access to this life-changing treatment, promoting equity and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families,” the resolution read.
It added that increased utilization of APD would not only benefit patients but also potentially alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities currently overwhelmed by high volume of hemodialysis patients.
APD is a further advancement in peritoneal dialysis technology, utilizing automated machines to perform exchanges throughout the night while the patient sleeps, reducing treatment burden and improving sleep quality.
“Itong automated peritoneal dialysis ang siguradong magpapagaan sa buhay ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan na nagda-dialysis lalo na yung mga pasyente na nagta-trabaho (This automated peritoneal dialysis will surely improve the life of millions of our countrymen who are undergoing dialysis, especially those patients who are working),” Erwin Tulfo said in a statement.
The CKD, according to the resolution, is a growing public health concern in the Philippines, affecting millions of Filipinos and significantly impacting their quality of life,
Peritoneal dialysis offers several advantages over hemodialysis, including greater flexibility, increased patient independence and the potential for improved cardiovascular health.
Studies have shown that APD can significantly improve patient outcomes compared to manual PD, including reduced peritonitis rates, better blood sugar control and enhanced overall well-being.
The lawmakers said they strongly urge the Department of Health to develop and implement a national program to promote the adoption and wider use of APD as a treatment option for CKD patients in the Philippines and for PhilHealth to review and expand the coverage for APD to ensure it is equivalent to the coverage provided for hemodialysis. (PNA)
