FLORA, Apayao – The provincial government opened a dialysis center at Flora District Hospital (FDH) on February 11, the first of its kind run by a provincial hospital.
With nine dialysis machines, the center aims to bring treatment closer to patients who previously had to travel long distances for care.
This is part of the Provincial Health Office’s (PHO) Health Facility Development Plan which seeks to expand and specialize provincial hospitals. Establishing a dialysis center is a priority under the province-wide health system that complements the Department of Health (DOH)-run Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Luna. Another facility is also set to open at Conner District Hospital.
The PHO cited a steady rise in kidney disease cases, deeming it necessary to provide treatment options locally. The project was funded through the Special Health fund, with Apayao among the provinces that have made substantial investments in universal healthcare.
The dialysis equipment arrived in December 2024, and the PGA moved quickly to train medical staff and bring in specialists. The long-term goal is to build an intra-referral system within the province, and to make sure that dialysis patients receive treatment within the province instead of seeking care elsewhere.
During the inauguration, Apayao Lone District Representative Cong. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang stressed the importance of prevention alongside treatment. “With kidney disease cases increasing, we should focus on preventive healthcare as well. It is about stopping the problem before it starts aside from building facilities,” she said.
“We need to strengthen our disease prevention efforts. We need to feed our children healthy food and instill good eating habits. Nu ag-prevent tayo, mas napinpintas iti turungen iti biag tayo,” she added.
Meanwhile, Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. outlined the plan to further develop district hospitals. “We already started our plan to develop our district hospitals into specialized hospitals. Next will be Santa Marcela becoming a diagnostic center, and then other hospitals shall follow. Kailangan nga papintasen tayo amin iti facilities. With good partnership with the national hospitals, pumintas met iti health system tayo ditoy Apayao,” he stated.
The governor likewise underscored the need for a more coordinated provincial health network. “Our hospitals both national and provincial must work together. Collaboration is the key. In the next five to ten years, we need to make sure that our patients are treated within Apayao and not forced to seek treatment in other provinces,” he added.
Also present during the inauguration were health stakeholders including DOH Regional Director Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen who expressed support for Apayao’s programs to improve the healthcare system. By Apayao PIO
