Manila: The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is ready to accommodate patients from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which is grappling with full bed capacity due to a surge in leptospirosis cases, Malaca±ang announced on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the escalating situation to ensure a swift response to the needs of leptospirosis patients. Castro highlighted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prioritizes health as a critical concern for his administration.

'Alam naman po natin ang isa sa pinakamahalaga na tinututukan po ng Pangulo ay ang kalusugan (We all know that one of the most important concerns being attended to by the President is health),' Castro stated, underscoring the administration's focus. She assured that the Department of Health is implementing necessary measures to meet patient needs effectively.

Castro further explained that patients without leptospirosis might be transferred to PGH to alleviate the strain on NKTI's resources. 'Sila po ay tutulong kung kinakapos po talaga ng espasyo or bed capacity ng NKTI (They will help if NKTI is really running out of space or bed capacity),' Castro remarked, indicating PGH's readiness to collaborate with NKTI.

The government, Castro assured, remains committed to coordinating with public hospitals to ensure that all patients receive necessary medical care. NKTI has reached its full bed capacity following a rise in leptospirosis cases, recording at least 19 cases from June 1 to Aug. 21. PGH has expressed its willingness to accept non-leptospirosis patients from NKTI to help optimize hospital resources.