The National Kidney and Transplant Institute‘s emergency room reached more than three times its capacity due to an influx of patients.
In its advisory on November 23, the NKTI said the patients include those with kidney problems, leptospirosis and COVID-19.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay dagsa ang mga pasyente sa NKTI. Karamihan sa kanila ay mga may sakit sa bato na nangangailangan ng dialysis. Kabilang na dito ang mga pasyenteng may leptospirosis o COVID-19,” the institute said.
“Dahil dito ay puno na rin ang aming emergency room (ER) na kasalukuyan ay umaabot na sa three times ng aming kapasidad. Ito ay sa dahilang wala na ring bakanteng kwarto sa mga wards,” it added.
The NKTI further informed the public that it is also experiencing a shortage of nurses because of the situation.
“Dagdag pa rito ay ang kakulangan ng nurses sa NKTI na siyang isa sa mga pinakamalaking problemang hinaharap ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH) sa buong bansa,” it said.
Patients were advised to visit their nearest hospitals for their conditions in the meantime.
“Pinapayuhan po namin ang publiko na magsadya muna sa pinakamalapit na ospital upang mabigyan ng kaagarang lunas ang inyong karamdaman,” NKTI said.
The public may also contact the following One Hospital Command should they need assistance. Here are the contact numbers:
- 0919-977-3333
- 0917-878-7418
- (02) 886-505-00
- PLDT-1555
- (Option 2), 0915-777-7777
“Ang OHC ang sangay ng DOH na tutugon kung saang ospital kayo maaaring tumungo. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pag-unawa,” NKTI said.
To help the public cope, the NKTI offered a list of private hospitals in Metro Manila that Filipinos can visit for their medical needs.
These hospitals can provide medical assistance to indigent patients (MAIP) from the Department of Health.