Kidney patient finds solace in PhilHealth
10/04/2024 11:40 AM
It takes passion, dedication, and commitment, and a lot of sacrifice to safeguard your family and community – a duty that Rico C. Bago of Solana, Cagayan has taken up 15 years ago when he became a police officer.
Throughout his career, he has been deployed to various areas like NCR and Mindoro City, where he used to be an active participant in community safety programs.
Known for being an outgoing person and a devoted family man, he tirelessly works hard to provide for his loved ones, especially to his three children, ensuring their quality education. Bago’s duty as a law enforcer runs parallel with his role as a provider for his family—very demanding tasks that require resilience to fulfill.
Illustrative image (internet)
However, he began experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in 2016 which prompted him to seek medical advice. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 (CKD5), on addition to his uncontrolled hypertension.
Despite challenges in undergoing thrice-a-week dialysis sessions, which include a 45-minute travel to and from the health facility, he religiously followed the prescribed treatment regimen. This presented him with physical, emotional, and financial difficulties.
He also explored the possibility of kidney transplantation with willing relatives, but obstacles hindered its realization. Nevertheless, he persevered, finding solace in prayer and drawing strength from his supportive family, who inspired him to overcome his medical condition.
“Mahirap itong pinagdadaanan ko sa buhay ngunit iniisip ko na lang ang aking mga anak dahil sila ang aking inspirasyon. Ipinagdarasal ko sa Diyos na bigyan ako ng mahaba pang buhay para makatulong sa kanila”, he remarked.
Bago’s life seemed to become harder by the day, but PhilHealth stood by the courageous police officer and provided financial coverage for his medical needs. More so with the benefit expansion for hemodialysis to 156 sessions – guaranteeing him of needed financial relief for the entire year with a maximum coverage of P 405,600.
“Malaking gastusin sa pagpapagamot pero dahil naranasan ko ang tulong ng PhilHealth ay ramdam ko ang pagmamalasakit at pagkalinga nito sa mga katulad kong pasyente lalo na ngayon na naging 156 hemodiaysis sessions na ang pwedeng ma-avail na benepisyo”, he said.
While his health condition poses significant challenges, Bago finds strength in knowing that PhilHealth gives him financial protection during his treatment to complement the unwavering love and care of his family.
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