SP La Union Proposes Cancer, CKD Patients Support

By:  Cristina C. Marvida  |  By: GPC-SP |  Date: MARCH

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (SPM) Bellarmin A. Flores II delivered two privilege speeches discussing the Health and Social concerns of Filipinos afflicted with renal disease and cancer. The first discourse entitled “Renal Disease: A Death Sentence?” was delivered on the 136th session and the second one with the title “Fighting Cancer – the dreaded disease” was delivered on the 137th session of the 21st Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province. Renal disease and cancer are two of the top causes of death among Filipinos according to the Department of Health.

The legislator mentioned that the province can help the disease-stricken patients and their families by providing financial assistance to them. He urged his colleagues to increase the budget for financial assistance for the indigent patients. He also espoused the formation of a strong support group for the patients and their family, an association which aims to help patients especially those who are incapable of sustaining their treatment and/or their medication. The association can also be an instrument in promoting advocacy to have families and friends of patients to be more caring, understanding and supportive in the patient’s battle.

Renal disease or chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be treated with dialysis, a treatment that uses artificial devices to perform the function of the kidney which is enough to sustain life. Dialysis performed on a patient needs to be adequate and on a regular basis. Patients without sufficient dialysis becomes weak, malnourished and unable to work. They exist only until the next dialysis treatment. Hence, dialysis is a bridge between life and death for CKD patients.

On the other hand, SPM Flores added that cancer patients may undergo chemotherapy treatment, it is a powerful treatment that kills growing cancer cells but it can also harm healthy cells and it has numerous side effects on the body. Thus, patients suffering from both diseases suffer anxiety and depression. On the financial side of the treatments, both are costly.

BM Flores proposed that a resolution be passed, asking Congress to immediately pass the Free Dialysis Bill which is one concrete step in helping patients. He ended his speech by exhorting his colleagues to pray for the patients affected with the disease for them to survive and enjoy their extended life.

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