The National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 supports the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in the construction of its hemodialysis center, which will greatly benefit COVID-19 patients during this pandemic.
Once built, the facility will house 200 hemodialysis machines, which will significantly improve the country’s capacity to treat COVID-19 patients, particularly those with renal comorbidities.
The NTF, however, acknowledges the reality that in order for this key health project to proceed, illegal occupants would have to vacate the area, and the establishments they have built there would have to be demolished.
The 25 families residing in the area were not informal settlers as they claimed they were, but “tenants of these illegal establishments,” and were thus denied housing privileges.
As the country faces an unprecedented health crisis, we would like to appeal to the public for sobriety and understanding. Let us not allow our emotions to cloud our good judgement.
The cornerstone of the National Action Plan (NAP) against COVID-19 Phase II is finding a balance between protecting people’s health and reviving the economy.
But we must keep in mind that the rule of law must prevail at all times, and based on the law, the NKTI has the legal right to the said area.
More importantly, this hemodialysis facility will not only benefit patients from Quezon City, but also those coming from other areas as well. Once running at full capacity, we expect the center to serve thousands of patients who are in need of this life-saving procedure.
We must bear in mind that the project’s main intention is to save the lives of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, especially our most vulnerable and less fortunate brothers and sisters who are suffering from kidney ailments.
We would like to emphasize once again that our primary goal is to serve the greater good. As President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said, “Buhay muna bago ang lahat.”
This project, therefore, cannot be delayed any longer and must begin as soon as possible.
The government is doing its best to equally address health and economic issues as the two are inseparable, a situation that has become more evident during this pandemic. Public health and safety should go hand in hand with a sound and stable economy.
This is the only way we can successfully overcome this health crisis and build back better and stronger.
Let us work together and rise as one.
