A total of eight (8) new hemodialysis machines were installed in the Navotas City Hospital (NCH), the local government announced on Friday, February 23. 

Through the additional machines, the NCH was able to increase the slots for patients in need of free dialysis treatment.

It can now accommodate 21 sessions per day for non-infectious patients from the previous 15 sessions daily limit. Meanwhile, the hospital designated one machine or 3 sessions for the use of patients with healthcare-associated infections. 

On a weekly basis, patients undergo an average of 2 to 3 dialysis treatments. 

Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) can avail of maximum 156 free hemodialysis sessions every year. 

Upon or prior to reaching this limit, dialysis patients from Navotas are then enrolled in relevant national and local medical assistance programs to help cover the P2,600 treatment cost per session. 

For them to be included in the list of beneficiaries, they must undergo a checkup by a nephrologist or internal physician and receive briefing on treatment protocols, policies, and schedules, among others.