Despite the challenges brought by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to assist and expand its services to those in need - particularly patients with chronic kidney disease and their relatives.
“There is an epidemic of renal diseases in the country and we need to help as much as we can to aid the most vulnerable,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard J. Gordon in a statement issued June 24.
As part of its efforts to expand services to help the most vulnerable, PRC said that it established the Hemodialysis Center in PRC Port Area Manila last February 2019 as kidney failure has become one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the country according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The PRC Hemodialysis Center has 10 state-of-the-art dialysis machines which could cater to 60 to 90 patients - depending on whether they are on a twice or thrice a week hemodialysis program.
As of June 2021, the PRC Hemodialysis Center has treated over 67 patients with treatments.
With the new donation of five units of Hemodialysis chairs from Dr. Takao Suzuki, the chairperson of Tokushukai General Inc. Association, PRC said it is actively recruiting patients and also the recruiting of donors.
Nat’l Kidney Month celebration
Meanwhile, PRC is also one with the country in celebrating the National Kidney Month this June.
The national campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.
With year’s theme, “Matatag na bato sa kapanahunang ito,” PRC Clinical Services Coordinator Dr. Noel Bernardo says that this year’s celebration aims “to increase the awareness of the people about chronic kidney disease, to inform them of the availability of the services we have here in Red Cross and third is to protect and ensure the safety and health of our current patients.”
PRC has lined up several activities throughout the month to be able to reach out to as many chronic kidney disease patients and their relatives.
On June 23, the PRC held a vaccination program not only for the chronic kidney patients but also for their relatives.
On Saturday, June 26, the PRC will be having a Nutrition Awareness Seminar to educate patients about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.