TWEENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25
JUL -7
SENATE 
S. No. 180
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT 
HOPSTTALS TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A DIALYSIS WARD 
OR UNIT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOSPITAL AND PROVIDING FREE 
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TO INDIGENT PATIENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One Filipino dies every hour due to kidney failure. In 2020, Chronic Kidney 
Disease (CKD) was identified as the tenth leading cause of death in the Philippines, 
with kidney disease ranked as a major cause of hospitalization. The number of patients 
requiring dialysis or other forms of renal replacement therapy has increased by 
approximately 15% annually over the past decade.
Patients suffering from kidney disease not only contend with the severe toll on 
their health, but also with limited access to treatment facilities and the high cost of 
care associated therewith. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the 
country's leading renal referral center, along with hospitals and dialysis centers 
nationwide report varied challenges affecting patient stays and available resources.
The financial burden of undergoing kidney treatments remains a significant 
barrier to allowing consistent patient treatment. Dialysis in the Philippines costs an 
average of PhP4,500.00 per session, with most patients advised to undergo dialysis 
treatments at least three times per week, which would amount to approximately 
PhP13,500.00 weekly. This figure is especially alarming when compared to the 
prevailing national daily minimum wage, which ranges from approximately P336 to 
P645 depending on the region. On a monthly basis, minimum wage earners may 
receive less than what is required to cover even two weeks of dialysis treatment. As a 
result, many patients—particularly those from low-income households—are forced to
AlO :27


skip or delay sessions, often to the detriment of their health and survival.
Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of national well-being, and it is incumbent 
upon the State to ensure that it is accessible, affordable, and responsible to the needs 
of all. This measure seeks to address these systemic gaps by mandating ail national, 
regional, and provincial government hospitals to establish, operate, and maintain 
dialysis wards or units. It further provides for free dialysis treatments to indigent 
patients. If enacted, this legislation is expected to significantly improve not only the 
quality of life of affected individuals, but also that of their families and dependents.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
CAMILLE VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
180
25 JUL-7 AlO '21
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT 
HOPSITALS TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A DIALYSIS WARD 
OR UNIT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOPSITAL AND PROVIDING FREE 
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TO INDIGENT PATIENTS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress ass&nbled:
1 
ARTICLE I
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Dialysis Center Act".
4 
Sec. 2, Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to improve
5 
the delivery of health care services to the people and to ensure hospital facilities are
6 
available, affordable and accessible to the people.
7 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
8 
mean:
9 
a) Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health;
10
11
12
b) National Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and 
maintained either partially or wholly by the national government or by 
any department, division, board or other agency thereof;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
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c) 
Regional Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and 
maintained either partially or wholly by the national government or by 
any department, division, board or other agency thereof;
d) 
Provincial Government Hospital refers to a hospital operated and 
maintained either partially or wholly by the provincial government or 
other political subdivision, or by any department division, board or other 
agency thereof; and
e) 
Indigent Patient refers to a patient who has no visible means of income, 
compensation or financial assistance from his/her relatives to support 
his/her basic needs, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare 
and Development (DSWD).
12 
Sec. 4. Establishment, Operation and Maintenance of a Dialysis Ward or Unit.
13 
- Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, all national, regional, and
14 
provincial government hospitals are hereby required to establish, operate and
15 
maintain a dialysis ward or unit in their hospital. The dialysis ward or unit shall be
16 
equipped with complete dialysis machine, equipment and supplies.
17 
Sec. 5. Free Dialysis Treatment to Indigent Patients. - Dialysis treatment in all
18 
national, regional and provincial government hospitals shall be provided free of charge
19 
to indigent patients as defined in Section 3 (e) hereof.
20 
Sec. 6. Penalty. - Any hospital chief, administrator or officer-in-charge who fails
21 
to comply with this Act shall be punished with a fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos
22 
(PhP50,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP100,000.00).
23 
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary shall promulgate
24 
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.
25 
Sec. 8. Appropriations. - Such amount as may be necessary to implement the
26 
provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National
27 
Treasury. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous implementation of this
28 
Act shall be included in the government hospital's annual appropriations.


1 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
2 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
3 
remain valid and subsisting.
4 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All law, presidential decrees or issuance, executive
5 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or
6 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed, modified or
7 
amended accordingly.
8 
Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
9 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the 
10 Philippines.
11
Approve,