Browsing: ckd

June marks National Kidney Month in the Philippines. This is a period dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and the impact kidney damage can have on other parts of the body. As part of National Kidney Month, Eladio Miguel M. Peñaranda Jr. MD, Chief of the section of Nephrology of Makati Medical Center, emphasises two important bodily connections. These connections are between kidney function, bone health, and cardiovascular health. Understanding these links is essential for managing and preventing complications associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced an increase in the package rate for hemodialysis sessions. Effective immediately, the rate will rise from PHP 2,600 to PHP 4,000 per session. The PhilHealth board, chaired by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, approved this decision.

Chronic Kidney Disease, often abbreviated as CKD, is a condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organs below the ribcage, are essential in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. When CKD progresses, it can lead to kidney failure. When that happens, it necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant. For this article, we consulted with Dato’ Dr. Ong  Yoke Meng. Dato’ Dr Ong is a nephrologist & physician at Island Hospital, Penang. He retired from the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2022, where he served as the Head of Nephrology Services and the Head of the Department of Medicine at Penang Hospital.