For the first time in the country, four non-hospital based dialysis clinics are accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI), a renowned independent, non-profit organization for healthcare quality improvement.
The standalone clinics are owned by Fresenius Medical Care, whose recent recognition affirms its leadership in the dialysis market.
The four clinics in Metro Manila, namely Fresenius Kidney Care Alabang, Fresenius Kidney Care Shaw, Fresenius Kidney Care Fairview, and Fresenius Kidney Care North EDSA formally received the accreditation after meeting the requirements of the ACHSI Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program Haemodialysis Edition. It is a quality assessment and improvement program for organizations and health services that support excellence in patient care and services.
To maintain ACHSI accreditation over the three-year program, each clinic must complete annual assessments.
Data from the 2017 Philippine Renal Disease Registry show that 21,535 Filipino patients underwent dialysis treatment due to kidney failure in 2016, a huge jump from 9,716 cases recorded in 2010, with 8 to 18 percent increase per year. This figure does not include patients suffering from kidney failure but who were not able to undergo dialysis treatment due costs or inaccessibility especially in rural areas.
In 2013, kidney disease was the sixth leading cause of death in the Philippines. According to the National Kidney Institute, one Filipino develops chronic kidney failure every hour. Poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension are among the leading causes of chronic kidney failure.
Fresenius Medical Care provides care to more than 336,000 patients through more than 3,900 dialysis clinics worldwide. It aim to continuously improve the quality of life of patients with kidney disease by offering innovative products and treatment concepts of high quality.
“Beginning dialysis is a big step for patients with chronic kidney failure. Most of them will experience changes in their physical condition, diet, and lifestyle. The standardized high quality medical services in our dialysis clinics will help patients and provide support in their journeys while still leading a fulfilling life,” says Mabel Callera, general manager for provider’s business at Fresenius
Dr. Lynn Gomez, medical director of Fresenius Kidney Care Alabang, believes that the recent recognition is a significant milestone in the local dialysis services.
“Providing high-quality medical services has always been a priority for Fresenius Medical Care. Seeking the ACHSI accreditation demonstrates our commitment to transparency and proving high quality care to patients in the Philippines. This will enable us to address the healthcare needs arisen from the increasing number of Filipinos with chronic kidney failure, as shown in the PRDR data,” enthused Dr. Gomez.