In observance of National Kidney Month, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is encouraging Filipinos to prioritize the health of their kidneys. This annual celebration, established by Presidential Proclamation 184 in 1993, aims to increase awareness about kidney diseases and their prevention.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) spearheads the month-long campaign, emphasizing the significance of kidney health, early detection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD). It also recognizes kidney donors and their families, promoting organ donation.

To support individuals with chronic kidney disease, PhilHealth has extended its hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually, priced at PHP6,350 per session. The Z Benefit Package for peritoneal dialysis for adult patients is valued at PHP510,140, while the pediatric patient package amounts to PHP1,269,000.

The Z Benefit coverage for kidney transplantation with a living organ donor is now PHP1,045,000, and with a deceased organ donor, it is PHP2,146,000. PhilHealth also covers exit site infection and peritonitis prevention care for adult patients, with a PHP29,200 coverage or PHP7,300 per episode (up to four episodes per year). Pediatric patients receive PHP16,800 or PHP1,400 per month coverage (up to four episodes per year).

With 120 out of every 1,000,000 Filipinos diagnosed with CKD annually, PhilHealth emphasizes the importance of managing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney damage. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding salty and sugary foods, engaging in regular exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, getting seven to eight hours of sleep, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol are also recommended for kidney health.

Recently, PhilHealth disbursed PHP592 million in claims to the NKTI from January 1 to May 21, with PHP161 million allocated solely for hemodialysis claims. ()