Kidney center beats odds, marks 23rd anniversary

February 20, 2006

Editor's Note: Published on page A6 of the Feb. 20, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on Feb. 23 still true to its mission "to work hand in hand with government in the achievement of good health for the Filipino people by providing specialized medical services."

Founded in 1983 as the National Kidney Foundation of the Philippines, NKTI had just 50 beds for patients needing medical and surgical care. From there the foundation worked to become the forerunner of transplant centers in the country.

The NKTI story, however, is not without its twists and turns.

In 1998 fire gutted the nearby Lung Center of the Philippines affecting some operations of NKTI. At the same time, the kidney institute's buildings had deteriorated, equipment had broken down or become obsolete, pharmaceutical supplies had to be purchased from outside.

Like any public facility, NKTI depended greatly on meager government subsidies. But its staff persevered and its newly appointed executive director then, Dr. Enrique T. Ona, would not be deterred.

Ona began by rehabilitating the patients' rooms and building more to accommodate their growing number.

The Center for Special Services composed of the urology, endoscopy and chemotherapy, transfusion and pain management units, physical medicine and rehabilitation, prostate health clinic and vascular laboratory, wound and ostomy care clinic were established to cater to patients with special needs.

Up-to-date medical equipment were acquired like a spiral CT-scan, millennium VG gamma camera and open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ablatherm, extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy, flow cytometry and fluoresence in situ hybridization (FISH) machines.

The NKTI provided continuing education for its doctors through extensive training programs in the various specialties. To continually upgrade the skills of its nurses and other paramedical staff, NKTI established the Institute of Advanced Nursing and Allied Health Professions.

Today, with its three-story edifice and two annexes that can accommodate 266 inpatients, its state-of-the-art equipment, services and expertise in providing quality medical care, NKTI has maintained its standing as the country's premier institution for kidney diseases and organ transplantation.

It is the first government hospital to be ISO 9001:2000 certified.

On Feb. 23, another building will be blessed, the Gourmet Express (New NKTI Café). Coinciding with this is the launch of the NKTI anniversary coffee table book, "NKTI@20, A Dynamic Pulse."

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This article posted March 9, 2006.