Cebu sets up off-site dialysis center for non-COVID patients

A satellite dialysis center has been set up for non-COVID renal patients in Cebu, upon the advice of the  Department of Health (DOH). 

It will be operational starting Friday, August 14, until December 31. 

Placing the facility outside of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) here is meant to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to renal patients in need of dialysis treatment.

The VSMMC is the only Level III government hospital on the island, and treats the most number of COVID-19 cases in Cebu. In June, the hospital started its no-watchers policy, prohibiting relatives and friends of patients from the facility to avoid the further spread of the coronavirus disease. 

For the operation of the dialysis center, Cebu province, Cebu City, VSMMC, GoNegosyo Project ARK PCR Initiative, and SM Prime Holdings Inc signed a memorandum of agreement on Thursday.

“Our dialysis patients are one of the most vulnerable persons that we have now in this new normal. And in this pandemic, while we are taking care of our response to COVID, we also have to be sure that non-COVID mortalities will not be on the rise,” said Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin, Project ARK PCR Initiative chief private implementor, in the virtual MOA signing.

The satellite dialysis center holds 10 dialysis machines from Cebu province and 5 dialysis machines from Cebu City. The facility will be managed and operated by VSMMC and will be housed in SM Seaside City for free. – Rappler.com