Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 3185
Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Department of Health (DOH) has identified renal or kidney diseases as one of the top
ten causes of mortality in the Philippines. In fact, millions of Filipinos have suffered renal
disorders over the years. Renal failure can be just as life-threatening and disabling as other silent
killer diseases. Significant problems, such as cardiovascular disease, infections, and anemia, are
possible and can raise mortality risks. Many Filipinos, especially those who are impoverished or
live in remote areas, may find it difficult and expensive to receive care for kidney disease.
Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the body.
Erythropoietin levels can be low in dialysis patients with kidney failure, which causes anemia.
As a result, it is frequently used to treat anemia in dialysis patients with kidney failure. Epoetin
treatment can lessen the signs and symptoms of anemia and improve the patient's wellbeing by
promoting the generation of red blood cells.
However, due to factors including cost and availability, access to Epoetin treatment and
other necessary medications for kidney failure may be constrained in the Philippines. Patients
with kidney failure who require dialysis and Epoetin injections may have difficulty affording
them, especially if they are not covered by health insurance or government assistance programs.
Patients in rural or remote places may face challenges accessing dialysis centers and
specialized medical care, which could hinder their ability to get Epoetin and other critical
treatments.
This measure intends to provide free Epoetin medication through an epoetin injection for
dialysis treatment of indigent patients in the Philippines. The Epoetin medication stimulates the
production of red blood cells in patients with kidney failure who undergo dialysis.
August 6, 2025
11:41 am


It is critical to give priority to the supply of inexpensive and accessible treatments for
people suffering from renal failure, such as Epoetin, to improve the outcomes and quality of life
for patients undergoing dialysis.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 3185
Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FREE EPOETIN INJECTION FOR DIALYSIS
TREATMENT OF INDIGENT PATIENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. This act shall be known as the "Free Epoetin Treatment Act of
2025".
SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
provide affordable and accessible health care to all Filipinos, particularly those who are indigent
and in need of life-saving treatment such as dialysis. To this end, this act aims to provide free
Epoetin Injection for dialysis treatment of indigent patients in the Philippines.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. The following terms as used in this Act shall mean:
(a) Dialysis - a medical procedure performed when the kidneys cannot filter waste from
the blood;
(b) Epoetin - an artificial form of Erythropoietin, a hormone that increases red blood cell
production in the body;
(c) Epoetin Injection - a synthetic version of human erythropoietin produced naturally in
the body, primarily by the kidneys;
(d) Indigent Patient - a person who has no visible means of income, or whose income is
insufficient for family subsistence, as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) or any other government agency duly authorized to make such


determination, based on specific criteria.
SEC. 4. Provision of Free Epoetin Treatment. All indigent patients undergoing dialysis
treatment shall be entitled to free Epoetin treatment, including the cost of the medicine,
equipment, and supplies necessary for the administration of the treatment. Indigent patients with
kidney failure and are undergoing dialysis shall be given free Epoetin treatment in government hospitals
and clinics identified by the Department of Health (DOH).
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DOH, in coordination with
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and other industries concerned, shall issue the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within a period of ninety (90)
days after its effectivity.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the concerned government
agencies. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. In the event that any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by such declaration.
SEC. 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,