Baguio Eyes Public Dialysis Center as 300 Patients Remain on Waiting List

Despite six operating dialysis centers in the city, around 300 kidney patients remain on waiting lists for life-sustaining treatment, prompting the Baguio City government to study the establishment of its first publicly owned and operated hemodialysis clinic.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city is currently conducting technical and financial studies for the proposed Baguio City Hemodialysis Clinic, which may be established at the Mines View Building. The facility aims to expand access to dialysis services and help decongest existing treatment centers, particularly the public hemodialysis unit of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

According to City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, data gathered by the City Health Services Office indicate a growing need for additional dialysis services despite the presence of six PhilHealth-accredited dialysis clinics in Baguio. These facilities collectively operate 123 dialysis machines and serve approximately 350 patients daily.

However, Brillantes said the city’s dialysis care system remains under significant strain. Around 300 renal patients are currently on the waiting list for treatment at BGHMC’s public dialysis unit, with many unable to consistently access private facilities due to the financial burden associated with long-term treatment.

She noted that a city-run dialysis center could help absorb a portion of the patient backlog while providing a more affordable option for residents requiring regular hemodialysis.

Under the proposal, the fourth floor of the Mines View Building will be converted into a dedicated dialysis facility equipped with 15 dialysis machines. Initial projections show the center could accommodate up to 45 patients per day through three treatment sessions per machine, operating six days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. under a two-shift staffing arrangement.

The city estimates an initial occupancy rate of 70 percent, allowing the facility to serve approximately 31 patients daily once operations begin.

To establish the clinic, the city has projected an initial capital investment of P49.5 million covering infrastructure, equipment, and operational requirements.

Magalong said studies on the project’s viability and implementation scheme are still ongoing. He expressed optimism that the initiative will eventually provide greater access to critical kidney treatment services and improve the quality of life of patients who rely on regular dialysis to survive.