Why Free UACR Screening Matters for Early CKD Detection
At select Mercury Drug branches this month, a simple urine test is giving Filipinos a clearer look at their kidney health—often earlier than routine checkups allow.
For many people, the kidneys quietly lose function over time—without pain, without obvious warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, treatment options often narrow to lifelong medication, dialysis, or transplant. This is why doctors consistently emphasize one thing: early detection can change everything.
This month, a free public screening initiative is making that early detection more accessible.
Mercury Drug, in partnership with AstraZeneca Philippines and Diabetes Philippines, is offering free Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) testing at select branches—giving more Filipinos a chance to understand their kidney health before problems become serious.
Why Kidney Health Often Goes Unchecked
The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. Yet kidney disease often progresses silently.
Medical experts explain that CKD can advance for years without noticeable symptoms. When fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination finally appear, significant damage may have already occurred.
This makes routine screening—not symptom-driven testing—essential, especially for adults with risk factors such as:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- a family history of kidney disease
- obesity or metabolic conditions
GET TO KNOW: Chronic Kidney Disease
What Is a UACR Test—and Why It Matters
The Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) test measures tiny amounts of albumin (a protein) in the urine—often one of the earliest signs of kidney damage.
Unlike basic urinalysis, which may miss subtle changes, UACR testing can detect kidney stress long before function significantly declines. The test is:
- non-invasive
- quick
- requires only a urine sample
For many people, it offers the first meaningful insight into kidney health.
The Bigger Picture: Why Early Detection Is Urgent
CKD is not a rare condition.
Health data show that a significant portion of Filipinos are already living with some form of kidney disease, many without knowing it. Every year, thousands progress to advanced stages that require dialysis—an outcome that affects not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, family life, and financial stability.
Since the screening initiative began, tens of thousands of Filipinos have already been tested, with a notable percentage flagged for further evaluation—proving that early screening is not only helpful, but necessary.
At Joyful Wellness, we view this as a reminder: prevention is not abstract—it is practical, timely, and often simple.
READ: Patient Safety Beyond the Hospital: Everyday Habits That Protect Your Health
Where Free UACR Testing Is Available
The free UACR kidney screening is currently available at select Mercury Drug branches, including:
- Pavilion Mall, Mandaluyong
- Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong
- TriNoma Mall, Quezon City
- Noveleta, Cavite
Availability may vary, so individuals are encouraged to inquire directly at participating branches.
Why This Matters for Families and Workplaces
Early detection benefits more than just the individual.
For families, it can mean preventing years of intensive treatment and preserving quality of life. For working adults, it can reduce missed workdays, medical interruptions, and long-term healthcare costs.
From a public health perspective, early CKD detection supports a more sustainable healthcare system—one that prioritizes prevention over crisis care.
A Joyful Wellness Perspective
At Joyful Wellness, we believe better health begins with knowing when to check—not just when something feels wrong.
Free screening initiatives like this empower people to take part in their own care. They remove barriers, reduce hesitation, and encourage conversations about health that often get postponed.
Kidney health is not something to think about “later.”
It’s something worth understanding now—quietly, calmly, and with intention.
At Joyful Wellness, we believe that preventive care creates its greatest impact when it is within reach of every Filipino. Initiatives like this remind us what is possible when early detection becomes a shared public good.
A Gentle Question to Leave You With
When was the last time you had your kidneys checked?
If the answer is never or not recently, this simple test could be a meaningful place to start.
Because informed choices today can protect not just your kidneys—but your life, your family, and your future.
*As of January 2026, free UACR kidney screening is being offered on an ongoing basis at select Mercury Drug branches, including Pavilion Mall and Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, TriNoma Mall in Quezon City, and Noveleta, Cavite, giving Filipinos a simple way to access early CKD detection. (source: BusinessWorld)
