30/03/2026
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Dialysis is no longer a last resort, it has become routine. And the rapid rise of patients involved in this disease is more than a statistics-like figure, but a mirror of an actions that acts too late.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) show that one Filipino develops Chronic Kidney Failure each hour. This amounts to roughly 120 new cases per million people every year. In 2024, 64,845 patients underwent dialysis, a 22 percent increase from the previous year. These numbers show how quickly the burden is growing and how widespread CKD has become.
The first problem lies in the system itself. The Philippines relies heavily on dialysis, which highlights both patient struggles and healthcare gaps. 94 percent of end-stage renal disease patients depend on hemodialysis, while only a small fraction can receive kidney transplants, the gold standard for long-term treatment. High costs, limited hospital infrastructure, and low organ donation rates block broader access. Dialysis keeps patients alive, yes, but it cannot replace comprehensive care or prevent CKD from escalating.
Government support is growing, but it is still not enough. PhilHealth now covers 156 dialysis sessions per year at โฑ6,350 per session, yet patients and their families continue to feel the financial strain. In the first half of 2025, PhilHealth spent nearly โฑ27 billion on over two million dialysis claims, almost matching the total from the previous year. Dialysis saves lives, but it cannot carry the full burden of the disease. Families still have to pay for the price of its consequences. Thus, surviving dialysis is not just about medical treatment, it is a daily struggle that affects every part of life.
The second problem lies in lifestyle and personal choices. CKD often develops silently, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease is already serious. Many cases are linked to uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Excessive consumption of salty, sugary, or processed foods, frequent fast food, smoking, and lack of exercise all increase the risk. Some patients ignore regular check-ups or delay seeking care, which allows the disease to progress unnoticed. Understanding these habits is crucial because they are often preventable, and addressing them early can reduce the need for dialysis later.
The human cost is also real, because Dialysis takes over a patientโs life. Three times a week, they spend hours connected to a machine, and their whole day revolves around unending treatment. Even simple things like going to work, attending school, or spending time with family become hard or impossible. Meals must be carefully measured, fluids counted, and energy levels are often low after each session. Patients also have to deal with fatigue, dizziness, cramps, and sometimes infections from the treatment. And even with government support, it is exhausting and stressful. Patients constantly worry about their health and the burden on their families. Dialysis keeps them alive, yes, but it changes life completely.
That is why preventive measures are just as important as dialysis itself.
CKD can progress silently, so patients may not notice until it is serious. Simple steps like checking blood pressure, staying active, and taking medications properly can make a big difference. Regular screenings and monitoring can catch problems early. Prevention and treatment together give patients the best chance at healthier lives.
A call to action for Kidney Awareness Month.
This March, during Kidney Awareness Month, itโs time to do more than just talk. This campaign must move just beyond awareness and symbolic gestures. It must confront the reality that rising dialysis numbers are not a sign of progress, but a warning. And each member of the community must take responsibility alongside the healthcare system.
As the saying goes: Awareness opens our eyes, but action saves our lives. Change begins with the choices we make, before dialysis becomes the path we take.
References:
Gutierrez, P. (2025, June 19). Marcos Jr. tells DOH to address rise in chronic kidney disease cases in PH | ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/6/19/marcos-jr-orders-doh-to-address-rise-in-chronic-kidney-disease-cases-in-ph-1656
Escosio, J. (2025, September). โHospital for the poorโ receives dialysis machine from Mikee Romero. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2110644/hospital-for-the-poor-receives-dialysis-machine-from-mikee-romero
Javier, P. (2025, June 23). PhilHealth expands coverage for chronic kidney disease, others | ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/6/23/philhealth-expands-coverage-for-chronic-kidney-disease-others-2006
Chronic Kidney Disease in the Philippines: A Silent Epidemic - Bing. (2025). Bing. https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=297&q=Chronic+Kidney+Disease+in+the+Philippines%3A+A+Silent+Epidemic&cvid=8f4e4bded2324a34b29f67df820dd4be&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgcIAhDrBxhA0gEHNDI0ajBqMagCALACAA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=ACTS
Circulars | PhilHealth. (2024). Philhealth.gov.ph. https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2024/
โ๏ธ: Cheska Lamputi
๐ป: Trisianne Dae Divinagracia
