Free AVF surgeries for 21 hemodialysis patients in Koronadal City

The Rotary Club of Koronadal concluded another Dugtong Buhay surgical outreach on August 11, 2026, at Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center in Koronadal City. It provided free arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creations to 21 indigent hemodialysis patients across South Cotabato.

An AVF creation is a surgical procedure that makes a permanent vascular access point, which improves safety and comfort during hemodialysis over the long term. The club said the procedure is highly technical and costly, and often out of reach for families with little money.

The mission was a partnership between the club, the Philippine Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons, Inc. (PATACSI) and Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center (DAPPMC). Dr. Edwin Valencia, District Governor-Elect and a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, and Dr. Darwin Corpuz, a thoracic and vascular surgeon, led the medical team. Local medical staff and volunteers worked with them, and the partners pooled equipment and resources.

The second day of operations, August 10, served seven patients and the final day, August 11, served eight. With the surgical fees waived, the club said the mission gave hope to 21 local families.