Dialysis Center Act

TWEENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL -7 A10:27 SENATE S. No. _ Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT REQUIRING ALL NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HOPSITALS TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A DIALYSIS WARD OR UNIT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOSPITAL AND PROVIDING FREE DIALYSIS TREATMENT TO INDIGENT PATIENTS EXPLANATORY NOTE One Filipino dies every hour due to kidney failure. In 2020, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) was identified as the tenth leading cause of death in the Philippines, with kidney disease ranked as a major cause of hospitalization. The number of patients requiring dialysis or other forms of renal replacement therapy has increased by approximately 15% annually over the past decade. Patients suffering from kidney disease not only contend with the severe toll on their health, but also with limited access to treatment facilities and the high cost of care associated therewith. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the country's leading renal referral center, along with hospitals and dialysis centers nationwide report varied challenges affecting patient stays and available resources. The financial burden of undergoing kidney treatments remains a significant barrier to allowing consistent patient treatment. Dialysis in the Philippines costs an average of PhP4,500.00 per session, with most patients advised to undergo dialysis treatments at least three times per week, which would amount to approximately PhP13,500.00 weekly. This figure is especially alarming when compared to the prevailing national daily minimum wage, which ranges from approximately P336 to P645 depending on the region. On a monthly basis, minimum wage earners may receive less than what is required to cover even two weeks of dialysis treatment. As a result, many patients-particularly those from low-income households-are forced to

skip or delay sessions, often to the detriment of their health and survival. Heathcare is a fundamental pillar of national well-being, and it is incumbent upon the State to ensure that it is accessible, affordable, and responsible to the needs of all. This measure seeks to address these systemic gaps by mandating all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals to establish, operate, and maintain dialysis wards or units. It further provides for free dialysis treatments to indigent patients. If enacted, this legislation is expected to significantly improve not only the quality of life of affected individuals, but also that of their families and dependents. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Camilèicizucas CAMILLE VILLAR

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -7 A10:27 SENATE RIC. S. No.. Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT REQUIRING ALL NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HOPSITALS TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A DIALYSIS WARD OR UNIT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOPSITAL AND PROVIDING FREE DIALYSIS TREATMENT TO INDIGENT PATIENTS Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Dialysis Center Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to improve

the delivery of health care services to the people and to ensure hospital facilities are 6 available, affordable and accessible to the people.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall

mean: a) Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health; National Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and maintained either partially or wholly by the national government or by any department, division, board or other agency thereof;

Regional Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and maintained either partially or wholly by the national government or by any department, division, board or other agency thereof; d) Provincial Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and maintained either partially or wholly by the provincial government or other political subdivision, or by any department division, board or other agency thereof; and e) Indigent Patient refers to a patient who has no visible means of income, compensation or financial assistance from his/her relatives to support his/her basic needs, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Sec. 4. Establishment, Operation and Maintenance of a Dialysis Ward or Unit.

- Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals are hereby required to establish, operate and maintain a dialysis ward or unit in their hospital. The dialysis ward or unit shall be equipped with complete dialysis machine, equipment and supplies.

Sec. 5, Free Dialysis Treatment to Indigent Patients, - Dialysis treatment in all

national, regional and provincial government hospitals shall be provided free of charge 19 to indigent patients as defined in Section 3 (e) hereof.

Sec. 6. Penalty. - Any hospital chief, administrator or officer-in-charge who fails

21 to comply with this Act shall be punished with a fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos 22 (PhP50,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP100,000.00).

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary shall promulgate

the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 8. Appropriations. - Such amount as may be necessary to implement the

provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National 27 Treasury. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous implementation of this 28 Act shall be included in the government hospital's annual appropriations.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All law, presidential decrees or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,