By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, Feb. 6 cited the importance of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) as he vowed for accessible and affordable dialysis treatment for Filipinos.
“We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid, and we will see to it that your institution gets all the help that is necessary for its advancement and its progress,” Marcos said during the 40th founding anniversary of NKTI in Quezon City.
“So we are committed to supporting the NKTI in all its noble endeavors,” he added.
To prevent deaths attributed to kidney disease, Marcos said the government should ensure that dialysis treatment is readily available, accessible, and cost-effective for the public.
“The ultimate goal is to lower the deaths and disabilities associated with kidney disease and kidney failure, especially for those who are not able to access dialysis treatment due to the high cost,” Marcos said.
Marcos also commended NKTI’s commitment to the highest standards of quality patient care by providing affordable diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to its patients.
He also lauded NKTI’s doctors, nurses, and personnel for providing quality renal care to the public.
Marcos also thanked the institution for sharing best practices and research developments, including NKTI’s New Hospital Integrated Management System (NHIMS), which is seen to automate the hospital’s services.
Once implemented, it will be the first fully integrated NHIMS in the Philippines.
Starting as a two-ward 50-bed facility in 1983, the NKTI has now grown into a five-building complex with 383 beds.
Since it started operations, almost 400,000 patients have been given quality renal care, including transplants, dialysis and treatment sessions.
