ILOILO – To close the province’s long-standing dialysis service gap, the Iloilo Provincial Government has sealed a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) with AC Health and the Healthway Medical Network to build and operate modern, Department of Health (DOH)-compliant dialysis centers in all its 12 district hospitals and the provincial hospital.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who led the signing with Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, said the project ensures that life-saving hemodialysis services — long concentrated in Iloilo City — will finally reach far-flung municipalities.
“This partnership marks a major milestone in our commitment to ensure that no Ilonggo is left behind when it comes to essential healthcare. By working with AC Health, we are bringing much-needed dialysis services directly to our district hospitals, enabling more patients to receive life-saving treatment,” said Defensor.
Under the agreement, each dialysis center will initially be equipped with eight stations, forming the first phase of a province-wide rollout aimed at easing the burden of more than 50,000 Iloilo residents who require regular hemodialysis.
For years, the lack of dialysis facilities in district hospitals forced patients to travel multiple times weekly to Iloilo City, incurring heavy transport and medical costs.
“Our district hospitals serve as the first point of care for many families, and this partnership ensures they are equipped to meet the needs of patients with chronic kidney disease. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan fully supports this collaboration with AC Health as it brings vital services closer to constituents, reduces financial and travel burdens, and reinforces our collective goal of building a healthier Iloilo,” Debuque said.
Terms of the partnership
* The provincial government will allocate space for the dialysis centers within hospital compounds.
* AC Health/PMVI will outfit, equip, manage, and operate the facilities under DOH standards.
* Implementation will proceed in phases guided by financial, operational, and clinical performance indicators.
The private partner emphasized its commitment to strengthening Iloilo’s health system.
“AC Health believes that every Filipino deserves access to quality and affordable care. Our partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government reflects our goal of supporting government efforts in strengthening the country’s health system. We look forward to helping Iloilo build a more resilient and inclusive health network for Ilonggos,” said Paolo Borromeo, AC Health president and chief executive officer.
Patients will benefit from standardized protocols, better access to PhilHealth-covered services, and expanded capacity across the province. Through Healthway Medical Network, they will also gain preferential access to advanced diagnostics, specialty consultations, and kidney transplant pathways.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that these dialysis centers operate to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our team is prepared to deliver the infrastructure, equipment, and day-to-day management needed to run these facilities sustainably. This partnership reflects AC Health’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with government to build reliable, well-managed healthcare services for Filipino communities,” said Jaime Ysmael, president and chief executive officer of Healthway Medical Network.
The PPP begins implementation this year, with phased openings expected to significantly enhance Iloilo’s local healthcare ecosystem./PN