A GROUP of lawmakers have filed a resolution urging the expansion of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage to cover the automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), reputedly the newest dialysis machine, to improve the quality of life for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.
The legislators led by ACT-CIS party-list nominee Rep. Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday filed House Resolution 1789, stating that CKD is a growing public health concern in the Philippines.
They said this affects millions of Filipinos, significantly impacting their quality of life and needed dialysis treatment, specifically hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD), as a life-saving intervention for patients with advanced CKD.
“This automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is sure to make life easier of millions of our compatriots who are undergoing dialysis, especially those patients who work. Patients can still work, because it can be used even if the patient is at home and even if he is just sleeping,” Tulfo said in a statement.
“They don’t have to be absent from work and spend for their weekly dialysis sessions,” he added.
According to him, the more efficient APDs were already being used in other countries.
The other legislators who co-authored the resolution were ACT-CIS party-list, Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap; and Quezon City Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
The resolution stated that peritoneal dialysis offers several advantages over hemodialysis, including greater flexibility, increased patient independence, and the potential for improved cardiovascular health.
“Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is a further advancement in PD technology, utilizing automated machines to perform exchanges throughout the night while the patient sleeps, reducing treatment burden and improving sleep quality,” the resolution stated.
Studies have also shown that APD can significantly improve patient outcomes compared to manual PD, including reduced peritonitis rates, better blood sugar control, and enhanced overall well-being.
The lawmakers said there is no current PhilHealth coverage for APD compared to manual PD and hemodialysis, creating a financial barrier for patients who could benefit most from this technology.
“Expanding PhilHealth coverage for APD would ensure greater access to this life- changing treatment, promoting equity and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families,” the resolution read.
“Increased utilization of APD would not only benefit patients but also potentially alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities currently overwhelmed by high volumes of hemodialysis patients,” it added.
Tulfo said they strongly urged the Department of Health (DOH) to develop and implement a national program to promote the adoption and wider use of APD as a treatment option for CKD patients in the Philippines and for PhilHealth to review and expand the coverage for APD to ensure it is equivalent to the coverage provided for hemodialysis.