The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has donated more than PHP90 million for procuring 40 dialysis machines and a CT scan unit for the new Pampanga Provincial Dialysis Center I.

PAGCOR said the donation, turned over during the inauguration of the new dialysis center in Pampanga on Friday, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for better health services especially in underserved areas.

“The center is expected to serve thousands of patients who otherwise would have to travel far or incur big expenses for dialysis sessions,” it said in a news release on Saturday.

The Pampanga Provincial Dialysis Center I is a stand-alone clinic developed under a public-private partnership.

In addition to dialysis services, it offers nutritional counseling, social work support, and patient education to meet the broader needs of patients and their families.

During the inauguration, PAGCOR chairperson Alejandro Tengco called the center a major boost for accessible healthcare in the province, responding to the medical needs of dialysis patients.

“We know how expensive and exhausting dialysis treatment can be – not just financially but physically, mentally and emotionally, kung kaya’t ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong pasilidad sa lalawigan ay napakahalaga (that’s why having such facility in the province is very important),” he said.

“Ang mga kagamitang ito ay simbolo ng malasakit ng ating pamahalaan sa mga pasyenteng lumalaban sa hamon ng karamdaman araw-araw (This equipment is a symbol of our government’s concern for patients who face the challenge of battling an illness every day).”

Tengco also lauded the medical staff who will run the facility, calling them the “nation’s true heroes” for their dedication and compassion.

“This is what nation-building looks like – projects that directly touch lives and strengthen communities,” he said.

Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda thanked PAGCOR and other partners who supported the initiative.

“We will make sure na lahat ng mahihirap na Kapampangan na magpapagamot po rito, walang kahit anong pera na ilalabas – kahit isang kusing po (that all the poor Kapampangans who seek treatment here will not have to spend any money – not even a single centavo),” Pineda said.

“Kaya lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno na katuwang namin sa pagsasakatuparan nito (That’s why we are very grateful to all the government agencies that are our partners in making this happen).” (PNA)