
SAVING LIVES
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday said the government can save thousands of Filipinos suffering from kidney problems who have to undergo dialysis, which is not a cure but extends the patient’s life.
He made the statement during the groundbreaking of the biggest hemodialysis center in the country at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.
Other members of the House of Representatives, including appropriations committee chairman Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin, officials of Quezon City led by Vice Mayor Gian Carlo G. Sotto, Department of Public Works and Highways Sec. Manuel M. Bonoan, Department of Health officials, and NKTI officers led by Executive Director Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete attended the ceremony.
“Today, we are not just building an edifice. We are laying the foundation for hope, modern healthcare, and better quality of life for millions of Filipinos suffering from kidney ailments,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives told his audience.
“Ang bawat dialysis machine na gagamitin dito ay katumbas ng buhay na maaring masagip, pamilyang magkakaroon ng pag-asa, at mga pangarap na maari pang matupad,” he said.
“Malaki ang magiging epekto ng proyektong ito sa buhay ng ordinaryong Pilipino. Hindi na nila kailangang bumiyahe ng malayo o kaya’y maghanap ng malaking halaga para lang makapagpagamot. Dito, sila’y magkakaroon ng access sa modernong pasilidad at de-kalidad na serbisyo para maibsan ang kanilang karamdaman,” he said.
Kidney ailments are among the top disease-killers of Filipinos. More than one million of the country’s population are believed to be suffering from such illnesses. They have to undergo dialysis until they find donors for a kidney transplant or their condition deteriorates.
Speaker Romualdez said the 13-story NKTI Hemodialysis Center is part of the Legacy Specialty Hospital Project of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
He said NKTI is among specialty hospitals built during the first Marcos administration by then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, which also include Heart Center, Children’s Medical Center and Lung Center.