MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang said the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) would accommodate patients who contracted leptospirosis amid reports that the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has almost maximized its bed capacity.
The NKTI is reportedly at full bed capacity due to the surge in leptospirosis cases as some communities in Metro Manila were submerged in floodwaters for days following persistent rains brought by recent successive typhoons and habagat (southwest monsoon).
During a press briefing on Tueaday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said "one of the most important priorities the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] is focusing on is health."
"That is why Secretary [Edwin] Mercado of the DOH (Department of Health), knows exactly what needs to be done to quickly address the needs of our fellow citizens, especially those suffering from leptospirosis," Castro said in Filipino.
"So, PGH has released a statement saying they will help if NKTI is really running out of space or bed capacity, that [the] PGH is there to assist," the Palace press officer said.
"And if there are patients who are not suffering from leptospirosis, they can transfer to PGH instead. So, PGH will be coordinating and cooperating with NKTI," Castro added.
She said non-leptospirosis patients may be transferred to PGH to help free up beds at NKTI for patients who require specialized treatment.
The Palace said 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 rains.
