Manila gov’t opens dialysis center in Tondo

A new dialysis center run by the Manila city government was formally opened Wednesday at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in Delpan Street in Tondo.

The center, located in the old outpatient building, currently has 28 dialysis machines, with full air-conditioning, comfortable couches and a TV for the patients.

Mayor Joseph Estrada, who inaugurated the center together with Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, said it should benefit the city’s poor, particularly the holders of the so-called Orange Cards issued by the city government which entitle them to some free medical services.

The former President maintained that the City Hall did not spend a single centavo for the dialysis equipment since it had entered into a joint venture agreement with B. Braun Medical Supplies Philippines Inc., under which the city would allow the company to supply the machines and operate the facility.

Estrada said a total of 100 dialysis machines are expected to be installed at the center next year, making it one of the largest dialysis facilities in Metro Manila. Nathaniel R. Melican