Chronic Kidney Disease now Baguio's top leading cause of death

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Around 300 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remain on the waiting list for dialysis treatment at the public hemodialysis unit of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) as CKD has emerged as the leading cause of death in the city.

Data from the City Health Services Office show that chronic kidney disease has become Baguio City's top killer, with 17 CKD-related deaths recorded from January to May 2026 alone. The figure has already surpassed the 15 deaths recorded for the entire year of 2025.

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. Patients in the advanced stages of the disease often require regular dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant to survive.

According to City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, as reported in regional news, Baguio City currently has six PhilHealth-accredited dialysis clinics with a combined total of 123 dialysis machines serving approximately 350 patients daily.

Despite these existing facilities, Brillantes noted that the city's dialysis care system remains heavily strained, resulting in a growing backlog of patients in need of treatment.

In response to the increasing demand for renal care services, the city government is studying the establishment of its first LGU-owned and operated hemodialysis clinic, which may be housed on the fourth floor of the Mines View Building.

The proposed facility is currently undergoing technical and financial evaluation to determine its feasibility and implementation requirements.

City officials estimate that the project will require an initial capital investment of P49.5 million.

Once operational, the facility will be equipped with 15 dialysis machines, helping reduce the backlog of patients awaiting treatment while providing more accessible and affordable life-sustaining renal care for city residents.