THE National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), particularly its emergency room (ER), has reached full bed capacity amid a surge in leptospirosis cases.
In a statement late Sunday, August 23, 2026, the NKTI said the increase in leptospirosis cases has resulted in the facility operating at full bed capacity.
“To prioritize patients requiring emergency care and admission, walk-in admissions will be subject to limitations until further notice, with priority given to patients requiring urgent and critical medical interventions,” the NKTI said.
Patients seeking elective or non-emergency admission were advised to coordinate with their attending physicians and consider other healthcare facilities with available beds to avoid prolonged waiting times.
Based on the latest available data from the Department of Health (DOH), 3,440 leptospirosis cases were recorded nationwide from January 1 to August 8 this year.
The DOH, meanwhile, has activated its patient navigation system to ensure that patients with leptospirosis receive the necessary medical care despite capacity constraints.
In a separate statement, the DOH said it had activated protocols to prevent leptospirosis patients from being denied healthcare services because of full bed capacity.
“In response to rising leptospirosis cases, surge capacity protocols are already active in DOH hospitals to ensure timely patient care,” the DOH said.
It added that hospitals facing capacity concerns can coordinate with the Health Emergency Management Bureau’s Operations Center for patient navigation through the Leptospirosis Bed Tracker System.
The DOH assured the public that its medical facilities are prepared to provide treatment to patients with leptospirosis.
“Those exposed to floodwater are urged to seek consultation at DOH facilities and YAKAP Clinics for proper treatment,” the DOH said. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)
