An ongoing free chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening program is getting a significant upgrade to further help more Filipinos start their renal care journey. Biopharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, local pharmaceutical retailer Mercury Drug, and healthcare organization Diabetes Philippines have jointly announced that free on-site physician consultations will be facilitated every Sunday at specified Mercury Drug branches.
During the tripartite agreement signing ceremony held on March 12, 2026 at the Mercury Drug Shangri-La Plaza branch in Mandaluyong City, the three organizations announced that the additional free service will begin on March 22 to further guide patients.
The free kidney screening program was launched in January 2026 and is currently welcoming walk-in patients at four Mercury Drug locations: Shangri-La Plaza, Pavillion Mall in Laguna, Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, and Mercury Drug Noveleta in Cavite. This initiative aims to screen over 13,000 Filipinos in communities this year. (Free kidney screening is available for walk-ins from Wednesday to Sunday at the four Mercury Drug sites.)
The signing ceremony coincided with the observance of the 20th World Kidney Day, with this year’s theme ‘Kidney Health for All, Caring for People.’ AstraZeneca Philippines, Mercury Drug, and Diabetes Philippines aim to make kidney care more accessible in the country through resource sharing and collaboration. AstraZeneca is partnering with other and various institutions/ organizations to expand CKD screening and improve early detection in communities that are identified as at-risk for the prevalence of the medical condition.
“At AstraZeneca, our purpose is to improve patient outcomes through science and strong collaboration. This is why the expansion of the ACT NOW for CKD program is so meaningful,” Lotis Ramin, Country President of AstraZeneca Philippines, said. “Our collaboration with Mercury Drug allows us to scale screening access through their extensive network, while Diabetes Philippines continues to strengthen kidney care to individuals at greatest risk, especially those living with diabetes. This is the power of partnership, combining our strengths to create meaningful, measurable impact.”
Cora Lim, Vice President for Merchandising of Mercury Drug Corporation; Dr. Fatma Tiu of Diabetes Philippines; and Lotis Ramin, Country President of AstraZeneca Philippines
“As Mercury Drug marks its 81st year, we remain committed to being more than a pharmacy, aiming to be a true partner in every Filipino’s health journey,” Cora Lim, Vice President for Merchandising of Mercury Drug Corp., said. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to bringing accessible, meaningful health solutions to the communities we serve.”
Diabetes Philippines commits to providing partner doctors to help make the CKD screenings more effective. “Ang Diabetes Philippines po ay magpapadala na rin ng mga doktor to sit while the screening is being done para agad-agad mapaliwanag sa pasyente nang mas maayos kung ano ‘yung outcome at mabigyan na ng tamang lunas,” Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines, said. “Kung siya ay wala pang doktor, puwede na po naming maresetahan agad-agad para maumpisahan na ang paggamot.”
Dr. Tiu added that they will also make sure a nutritionist and nurses are present at the four screening sites to guide patients about proper diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.
CKD is a progressive medical condition that happens with the kidneys lose the ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. It is considered a ‘silent killer’ as it usually goes undiagnosed without any noticeable symptoms during the early stages. Furthermore, when it reaches the advanced stage, affected patients may face the need for dialysis.
A study in 2022 showed that the prevalence of CKD cases in the country had risen to 35.94%, above the global average of 9.1% to 12.4%. Thus, the health crisis must be immediately addressed by increasing awareness and demanding action at each step of the patient’s journey.
Meanwhile, the Kidney Alliance of the Philippines has also launched its video entitled ‘8 Golden Rules for Kidney Care.’ It lists actionable tips for proper kidney health. Watch it here:
