A PROPOSED measure that seeks to support and assist end-stage renal disease patients was passed on first reading in La Trinidad.
Councilors Jayson Dangwa and Guiller Galwan, during the regular meeting of the Municipal Council, proposed the creation of a renal disease affairs desk incorporated under the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) of the town.
"There is a need to institute an administrative mechanism through the establishment of a permanent renal disease affairs desk to address all concerns and issues of renal disease," the measure reads.
Officials of La Trinidad said the MSWDO has been receiving assistance requests from end-stage renal disease patients who need dialysis services.
The office, due to budget limitations, can only give the patients financial assistance of P2,000, which is not enough to pay a single dialysis treatment, which costs around P20,000 to P46,000 per month.
Under the proposed measure, the desk is tasked to address the needs, issues and concerns regarding renal disease programs and oversee all renal disease control programs, projects and activities (PPAs) in the town.
A renal disease desk officer will be appointed and tasked to maintain and update regular and quarterly record and list of renal disease patients and serve as a general information center for PPAs regarding renal disease control.
A renal disease affairs worker will also be designated to supervise the programs of the desk with its functions focused on administrative and logistic support and assistance.
A La Trinidad Renal Disease Control Program Board will also be created as the main policy recommending body to plan, implement, monitor and coordinate the different programs regarding renal disease control, while funding will be incorporated under annual budget of the Social Welfare and Development Office.
Intended for financial assistance to patients, a trust fund will be open for end-stage renal disease for the acceptance of donations and grants.