PGH READY TO ASSIST NKTI AS LEPTOSPIROSIS CASES RISE — PALACE

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said the government is taking steps to address the increasing number of leptospirosis patients at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which has reached full bed capacity.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on ensuring that Filipinos receive the medical care they need.

“Alam naman natin na isa sa pinakamahalaga at tinututukan ng Pangulo ang kalusugan,” Castro said.

Castro emphasized that Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Edwin Mercado is aware of the situation and is expected to take the necessary steps to immediately address patients’ needs, particularly those suffering from 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,” Castro said.

Castro said the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has offered to assist the NKTI if it runs short of beds or space.

“Nagkaroon ang PGH ng statement na sila ay tutulong kung kinakapos ng espasyo o bed capacity ang NKTI,” the Palace Press Officer said.

Patients who are not suffering from leptospirosis may also be transferred to PGH to help free up beds at NKTI for patients who require specialized treatment.

“Kung ang mga pasyente na hindi naman nagsa-suffer ng leptospirosis, maaari naman silang lumipat sa PGH. So, makikipagtulungan ang PGH sa NKTI,” Castro said.

The Palace stressed that the coordination between government hospitals is intended to ensure that patients continue to receive timely medical care amid the rise in leptospirosis cases following widespread flooding and heavy rain.