LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – “Investment in the provision of dialysis center in Aguinaldo, Ifugao is the call of the day.” These words of Mayor Clemente Talusig in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly during a Christmas- related program recently couldn’t ring any more true, especially with rising costs of hospitalization and medicines.
A government-operated dialysis facility is needed, and it is badly needed now.
“Moving forward, we remain united in purpose to continue addressing the people’s needs,” Mayor Talusig said.
“The future we are striving to build belongs to all of us. This effort shall surely strengthen our healthcare system,” he added.
This thoughtfully crafted plan represents the municipal government’s unwavering dedication to providing folks accessible and affordable health services.
This is especially relevant right now, as town folks face the burden of the high cost of living. Having seen the officialdom’s failure to curb the poverty problem means less difficulty to push the plan for this facility. Nonetheless, some officials are still lying that poverty incidence in Ifugao is not high.
And while there is such a thing as assistance from the Philhealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.) dialysis treatment is undoubtedly expensive. A dialysis session usually costs PHP 4,500 and is recommended to be conducted three times a week, which would amount to Php 13,500.
Aguinaldo is a farming municipality with 16 villages. It has a population of 20,924 people in 2024. Most of them are poor.
Folks seeking dialysis treatment are being drawn to privately-owned centers in Santiago City in Isabela.
What about the treatment of patients who have no visible means of income or support?
There are officials who walk in the corridors of power, though for whom letting go of this problem the usual or regular way is to wait until 2028 is not unusual.
Many often wonder why “huge” public funds were stolen and washed in the “flood control” mess by corrupt politicians when resources are better allocated and utilized for a state dialysis facility.
Therefore, it’s time to work at the doors of the Senate for legislated action. Also, it can be such a relief to know that such timely help may come with complete dialysis machine, equipment and supplies. The equipment will be housed in the planned facility. Of course, it is practically just within hand’s reach if and only if a well-prepared project proposal is forwarded to a well-meaning senator.
Mayor Talusig is also hoping that the town gets assistance from the national government, particularly the Department of Health, on the matter for the eventual training of a nephrologist. Where possible, this move can also serve as a means of providing better curative services.
Why it is worth the effort to pursue the project? This plan is certainly laid out for the betterment of Aguinaldo folks and many others in nearby towns of Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Mayoyao.
This plan is certainly laid out for the betterment of Aguinaldo folks and many others in nearby towns of Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Mayoyao.
There is a privately-owned dialysis center in Lamut, Ifugao. Another one is reportedly being considered in Alfonso Lista, also a private sector venture. The fact that Ifugao lacks a government-owned dialysis facility is not to be taken lightly, as chronic kidney disease is among the leading causes of death in the country and a major cause of hospitalizations.
“The future of treating our patients, I hope that we aim not just to bring them to Santiago City, but provide treatment right here in Aguinaldo,” Dr. Virginia Dulnuan said. She is the municipal health officer.
“There is a temptation to think about getting a space at the Eye Care Center in
Alfonso Lista. However, I believe there is a better route to achieve a better outcome,” journalist Anthony Araos said. He also spoke at this well-attended program.
Inaction on the all-important concern would, in the long run undermine all efforts to advance the cause of maintaining a healthy citizenry.
Investing in the planned Aguinaldo dialysis center means owning it and flourishes the aspiration of having it as a long-term asset that appreciates over time. **By Anthony A. Araos
