VILLAR PROBES ALARMING RISE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY CASES IN THE PHILIPPINES

SENATOR Mark Villar expressed grave concern over a looming public health crisis in the country.

He filed Senate Resolution No. 313 calling for an urgent inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the Philippines, especially among the youth.

“Ayon sa Department of Health, pabata nang pabata ang tinatamaan ng CKD sa bansa. May reports din po tayong natatanggap na nine years old pa lang ay may malubhang sakit na agad sa bato,” Villar stressed. 

Although the country has measures that aim to address CKD, there are still observable gaps that should be addressed. The introduction of ultra-processed foods and changes in people’s diets call for new approaches to prevent the rise of this chronic disease. 

“Naghain po tayo ng resolution na ito dahil naniniwala tayo na sa panahon ngayon, hindi na lang dapat basta reactive ang ating mga hakbang laban sa CKD,” Villar added. 

Villar seeks to review the government’s current programs and interventions concerning CKD, from its awareness campaigns to the actual support it gives to patients undergoing treatment. 

“Gusto natin na mas magkaroon ang gobyerno ng napapanahon na solusyon sa CKD. We would like to be more proactive in preventing and detecting the disease while fully supporting those who are undergoing treatments,” Villar  said.