Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that the government is taking swift measures to assist the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which has reached full bed capacity following a surge in leptospirosis patients after recent widespread flooding and heavy rains.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains closely focused on ensuring Filipinos receive necessary medical care amid health emergencies.
“Alam naman natin na isa sa pinakamahalaga at tinututukan ng Pangulo ang kalusugan (We know that health is one of the most important matters being prioritized by the President),” Castro said.
Castro noted that Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Edwin Mercado is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to address the influx of patients requiring specialized treatment for leptospirosis.
“Kaya alam din ng DOH Secretary Edwin Mercado, kung ano ang dapat na gawin para mas mabilis na matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na doon sa mga nagsa-suffer ng leptospirosis (That is why DOH Secretary Edwin Mercado knows what needs to be done to quickly address the needs of our countrymen, especially those suffering from leptospirosis),” Castro said.
To alleviate the pressure on NKTI’s emergency room and ward facilities, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has offered to step in and assist.
“Nagkaroon ang PGH ng statement na sila ay tutulong kung kinakapos ng espasyo o bed capacity ang NKTI (PGH issued a statement saying they will help if NKTI runs short of space or bed capacity),” Castro explained.
Under the inter-hospital arrangement, non-leptospirosis patients at NKTI may be transferred to PGH to free up specialized beds, dialysis machines, and critical care units for severe leptospirosis cases.
“Kung ang mga pasyente na hindi naman nagsa-suffer ng leptospirosis, maaari naman silang lumipat sa PGH. So, makikipagtulungan ang PGH sa NKTI (Patients who are not suffering from leptospirosis may transfer to PGH. PGH will collaborate with NKTI),” Castro added.
Palace officials emphasized that this close coordination between government hospitals aims to guarantee uninterrupted medical services and timely intervention for all patients despite the seasonal rise in waterborne illnesses.