NKTI breaks ground for new outpatient facility

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) last week held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new outpatient services (OPS) building that will cater to more people in need of organ transplants and renal care services.

NKTI executive director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete said that the state-of-the-art facility is expected to finish construction in 24 months or less.

The OPS building will serve as a one-stop shop building for the patients’ healthcare needs and will house the NKTI’s medical social services division. Some offices located in the hospital’s main building, including its Malasakit Center for indigent patients, will also be transferred to the new building.

It will also feature modern equipment and health facilities such as laboratory services, an ambulatory surgery unit, and a chemotherapy unit.

The OPS building will cost P1.331 billion to construct, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

“Dapat nga before na COVID pa ito. Of course, inabutan ng COVID, tumaas ang presyo ng steel, and medyo nagka-fail bidding din. But finally, we are here, sa wakas po,” Liquete said.

“As we break ground on this project, we envision a legacy of healing and hope—a future where patients are met with innovation and empathy. Let us look forward to the many exciting developments that will unfold in the months to come,” she added.

In June 2024, the NKTI also began the construction of its new hemodialysis building for patients who have kidney diseases.