Capiz hospitals receive kidney test machines

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The provincial government handed over Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) machines to district hospitals in Capiz on Friday, June 7. These machines can detect kidney ailments and help prevent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other kidney complications.

The turnover ceremony, held at the Governor’s Hall, was led by Governor Fredenil Oto Castro, along with the heads of various district hospitals in the province.

According to Capiz Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alex Nolasco, the machines were provided by AstraZeneca through the Addressing Complications Today through Network of Warriors (ACT NOW) program, valued at P4 to P5 million.

The goal is to test and screen approximately 80,000 people within one year, Nolasco added.

The district hospitals will conduct free screenings according to the following schedule:

-Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital: Monday to Friday

-Bailan District Hospital: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

-Sen. Gerardo M. Roxas Memorial Hospital: Monday to Friday

-Mambusao District Hospital: Monday and Tuesday

The Provincial Health Office advised those who want to avail of the screening to consult their respective Rural Health Units or district hospitals.

Before the turnover of the UACR machines, the provincial government officially opened the Capiz Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) Lanot-OPD.

The governor, along with provincial officials and doctors, attended the activities.

Governor Castro stated that opening the new clinic is one of his priorities, with plans to upgrade the provincial hospital to a Medical Center.

The Capiz Newborn Continuity Clinic will offer free services, particularly for newborns, including follow-up check-ups for those with ailments.