The increasing cases of kidney diseases threaten to drain the health resources of PH
The expert urges early screening, lifestyle changes, being aware of supplements
The Philippines could run out of health care resources if the rapid increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases is left unchecked, a leading cardiologist has warned.
Speaking at the Hisgutan Ta press conference in Cebu, Dr. Juliet Chua Chong-Noel said the growing burden of kidney disease is already putting pressure on the system, especially with the high cost of dialysis.
“If we don’t do anything about it, we will end our resources,” said Dr. Noel, treasurer of the Philippine Society of Nephrology.
In the first five months of 2025 only, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) paid P161 million for hemodialysis procedures to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. In 2024, hemodialysis was the most covered medical procedure for government insurance in the country.
Dr Noel’s warning comes as CKD cases continue to rise across the country. As of 2021, data showed that more than seven million Filipinos were living with the disease, with at least one new case being recorded every hour.
Aside from dialysis, government spending has increased to cover kidney transplants, with PhilHealth’s benefit packages reaching over two million dollars. And due to the continued increase in patients, ParaƱaque Representative Brian Yamsuan recently filed a bill that seeks to expand CKD coverage even further.
Dr. Noel emphasized that treatment alone is not sustainable.
“What we want is prevention. There should be more people who go to the doctor before they get sick. We need to step up to get tested,” he said.
CKD begins when the kidneys are damaged over time, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid. This disease is very dangerous because there are usually no symptoms when it starts.
Who are most at risk
Dr. Noel identified diabetes and hypertension as the leading causes of CKD worldwide. He said that when a person is diagnosed with diabetes, they should have their kidneys checked. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, family history of kidney disease, heart disease, aging and being born small for gestational age.
Lifestyle factors make the condition worse. Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to an increasing number of cases – including among young Filipinos.
Recent data from the Philippine Renal Disease Registry shows that adults aged 20 to 59 now make up the majority of CKD patients (57%), outnumbering the elderly (41%).
The hidden danger of supplements
Dr. Noel also warned against the widespread and often uncritical use of dietary supplements, which he said could cause hidden risks to kidney health.
“The idea is that if it’s a supplement, it’s safe and has no side effects.” That’s not true,” he said. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not subject to the same level of rigorous testing and regulatory testing. Many are not required to prove their safety or effectiveness through clinical studies.
“The medicine goes through years of research. All the components are measured. But supplements do not go through the same process because they do not claim to cure,” explained Noel.
He noted that although some natural ingredients such as ampalaya may have health benefits, their effects may change when concentrated in pill form. “If you take it out of the pill, we don’t know anymore. Too much can cause toxicity; too little can have no effect at all.” He also added that possible pollution introduced during production could damage the kidneys and liver.
Dr. Noel said the popularity of supplements has been fueled by social media influencers, often without scientific backing. “In science, evidence is very low evidence. But it’s difficult when we’re up against influencers who are more famous than us doctors.”
He reminded the public to follow the eight golden rules of kidney care:
- Control blood pressure
- Control blood sugar
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- Drink enough water
- Stop smoking
- Do not abuse pain relievers and supplements
- Get tested regularly
As CKD cases continue to increase and many patients remain undiagnosed until they reach advanced stages, Dr. Noel stressed that prevention – through early screening, healthy lifestyles, and informed treatment decisions – remains the country’s best defense.
