And, lastly, we asked Figueroa about the state of dialysis machines in the public healthcare system. We know that over the years the present machines have depreciated significantly- even as the number of persons with end stage renal failure continues to climb. Figueroa says the Taiwanese are helping with technical support - and dialysis machines should continue to be available at public facilities:
Dr. Ramon Figueroa, CEO, Ministry of Health
"We just did an assessment with the help of the Taiwanese. We have an ongoing kidney project [Renal Project] and we got some expert to come in and do an assessment of both the KHMH and the Loma Luz services being provided and compare in terms of qualities. We were pleasantly supplied that the qualities between both of them however, yes through the government subsidies that has been given to Karl Heuser and Loma Luz. We only have spots for 15 and we know we have a long waiting list. What we have done in the interim as the price has gone down and the private sector has improved the quality of services being provided. We assist some people to access care in the private sector, but we are at the table right now going to renegotiate the agreement with KHMH and Loma Luz to increase the number of cases that can be done through the government subsidies project and with additional funds to be able to probably contract out to the private sector. That's what's happening right now so that we can address the long list of dialysis patients that are on the waiting list."
A private dialysis session costs upwards of two hundred dollars - and persons with end stage renal failure need two to three per week. That works out to a minimum of twenty five thousand dollars a year.
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