By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government is eyeing establishing four dialysis centers in the province.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the 15-bed dialysis center at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) is operational.

Another facility at the Cadiz District Hospital has been completed and is awaiting installation of equipment.

Lacson also confirmed that two additional dialysis centers are in the pipeline.

They will be constructed at the Valladolid District Hospital and Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City.

He added that the new dialysis centers will help ease access for patients as they will no longer have to travel far to get treatment.

Meanwhile, Lacson also affirmed that the provincial government is now in the process of upgrading TLJPH to Level 3, as well as Cadiz District Hospital and Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital to Level 2.

He said the upgrade, strategically based on the hospitals’ location and the population they serve, will ensure accessibility and availability of adequate medical services, facilities, doctors, and staff.

Lacson also pledged that they will continue providing and sourcing funds to offer financial protection to the residents through initiatives, such as “no balance billing, medical assistance to indigent patients,” and the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program./DGB, WDJ