The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is a government-owned and -controlled specialty hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of kidney and related diseases. Established in 1981 through Presidential Decree No. 1832, NKTI serves as a center of excellence for renal care, organ transplantation, and specialized medical services. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert healthcare professionals, it provides quality treatment and life-saving procedures, including kidney transplants, to thousands of Filipinos each year.
Over the years, NKTI has worked towards the advancement of nephrology and transplant medicine in the country, achieving several pioneering milestones in the region. Its mandate includes supporting public health initiatives and improving access to affordable, high-quality kidney care. Informing the public about NKTI is essential, as it empowers individuals to seek early intervention, understand their healthcare options, and access critical services that could greatly improve or even save their lives. This guide will provide an in-depth look at this premier renal care facility, its services, history, and how it serves Filipino patients in need of specialized medical assistance.
What is NKTI?
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is a tertiary specialty hospital with a 383-bed capacity, designed to cater specifically to patients with renal and urologic diseases. As a referral center for kidney-related conditions and organ transplantation, NKTI handles complex cases requiring advanced diagnostics, dialysis, surgery, and post-transplant care. It also serves as a training ground for medical professionals specializing in nephrology, urology, and transplant medicine. The hospital embodies a commitment to equitable and innovative healthcare, combining clinical excellence with public service. At its core, NKTI stands as a symbol of hope and healing for Filipinos suffering from kidney ailments, promoting both preventive and life-sustaining treatments.
Scope and Coverage
NKTI’s services extend nationwide, catering to Filipino patients referred from various regional hospitals across the country. With its 383-bed capacity, NKTI provides emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, dialysis treatments, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and more. The hospital is known for its excellence in kidney care and transplant services, employing one of the region’s most experienced surgical transplant teams.
History and Milestones
The NKTI has marked several historic milestones in Philippine healthcare. In 1983, it performed the country’s first living kidney transplant, revolutionizing transplant medicine. By 1988, it became the first in Asia to successfully complete a double kidney and pancreas transplant. In 1994, the Department of Health appointed NKTI to lead the Preventive Nephrology Project to promote kidney health nationwide. NKTI also set quality standards by becoming the first government hospital to receive ISO 9001:2000 in 2002 and further achieved environmental and safety ISO certifications in 2018 while implementing the Performance Governance System.
Mission
We are a healthcare institution that provides compassionate and quality care for all patients with renal and allied diseases, urologic conditions, and transplantation.
Vision
A globally recognized specialty center for renal health and transplantation adhering to the highest standards of service, training, and research.
Core Values
Its core values include:
- Excellence
- Visionary
- Compassion
- Integrity
Mandate and Functions
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is mandated to provide specialized medical services focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of renal and related diseases. It also functions as a national referral center, research institution, and training facility in the field of nephrology and organ transplantation.
Its main functions are as follows:
- Deliver specialized healthcare services for kidney and organ transplant patients
- Serve as a national referral center for renal diseases
- Conduct research and studies related to nephrology and transplantation
- Train healthcare professionals in nephrology, urology, and transplant medicine
- Implement public health programs on kidney disease prevention and awareness
- Collaborate with government and private sectors to improve renal healthcare delivery
Logo
The NKTI logo is primarily designed to reflect its core mission of providing specialized care for kidney diseases and organ transplants. It prominently features a stylized image of a kidney, symbolizing the hospital’s focus on nephrology and its commitment to improving kidney health in the Philippines. The kidney is depicted in a dynamic, flowing form, suggesting vitality, life, and continuous medical care. The use of blue color in the logo represents healing, trust, and professionalism, all central to NKTI’s values and services. Overall, the NKTI logo embodies the institute’s dedication to advancing medical care, research, and education in the field of renal health and organ transplantation.
Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is designed to ensure efficient delivery of healthcare services, research, and education. It operates with a hierarchical system, consisting of various specialized divisions and departments, each tasked with specific functions related to kidney and transplant care. At the top of the hierarchy is the Executive Director, supported by a team of Deputy Executive Directors overseeing medical services, nursing services, hospital support services, and education, training, and research services. These departments work collaboratively to maintain high standards of care, facilitate ongoing medical research, and ensure the hospital runs smoothly. The structure also includes specialized units and divisions focusing on various medical fields like nephrology, surgery, and clinical trials, ensuring the hospital meets the needs of its diverse patient population.
Services Offered at NKTI
As the country’s leading hospital for kidney and organ transplantation, NKTI offers a wide variety of specialized services. These services are designed to address the medical needs of patients with kidney-related diseases, those requiring organ transplants, and individuals needing ongoing medical care for related conditions.
1. Core Medical Services
- Nephrology Services (Adult and Pediatric): Specialized care for kidney diseases in both adults and children, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Organ Transplantation: Transplants for kidney, liver, pancreas, bone marrow, and lung conditions. NKTI is recognized for performing pioneering transplant surgeries in the country, such as the first living kidney transplant in the Philippines.
- Urology: Treatment for various urinary tract conditions, including kidney stones and other urological diseases.
- Vascular Surgery: Surgical procedures related to the circulatory system, which can be crucial for transplant patients and those with kidney disease.
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology: NKTI also provides liver transplant services and care for liver diseases.
- Breast and Women’s Health Centers: Specialized care for women, including breast health and other gynecological concerns.
- Public Health Unit: The unit focuses on providing health services to the community, especially for those with public health concerns.
2. Specialized Dialysis Services
NKTI offers various forms of dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, to patients with kidney failure. The NKTI-Baxter Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Center of Excellence is a facility dedicated to providing high-quality PD treatment, a more accessible and affordable form of dialysis for many patients.
3. Emergency and Surgical Services
The hospital provides round-the-clock emergency services to handle urgent medical conditions related to kidney failure and transplant complications. Additionally, NKTI offers general surgery and specialized surgeries for transplantations and other complex medical needs.
NKTI’s Key Specialties
NKTI is distinguished for its excellence in treating renal diseases, offering comprehensive solutions for kidney transplantation and allied treatments. The hospital’s specialties include:
- Nephrology (Kidney Care): Expert care for both adult and pediatric kidney patients, including dialysis, kidney transplants, and pre-emptive interventions.
- Transplant Surgery: NKTI’s transplant program includes kidney, liver, pancreas, bone marrow, and lung transplants, making it a center of choice for life-saving procedures in the Philippines.
- Urology: Medical and surgical treatment for urological diseases like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and cancer.
- Liver Transplantation: NKTI is a leading center for liver transplants, providing care for both children and adults.
- Vascular Surgery: Specialized surgical treatments for vascular conditions, which are critical for kidney patients requiring dialysis access.
New Services and Innovations
In its pursuit of excellence, NKTI continues to innovate and expand its services, with several new projects and technologies.
- New Hospital Integrated Management System (NHIMS): This ambitious project will automate hospital services and improve patient care efficiency by transitioning from manual processes to digital systems. It will be the first fully integrated NHIMS in the Philippines.
- NKTI Modular Hemodialysis Facility: A satellite unit designed to cater to patients needing hemodialysis, especially those with COVID-19. This facility can accommodate up to 60 patients with dedicated stations for dialysis.
- Enhanced Isolation Facility: A project funded by the World Bank’s Philippine Covid-19 Response Project to provide a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.
Medical Assistance and Financial Aid
NKTI is dedicated to serving indigent Filipino patients. The hospital provides medical services at subsidized rates to ensure that people from all socioeconomic backgrounds can receive the care they need. The hospital also works closely with various government agencies to offer financial assistance for patients requiring dialysis and transplant treatments.
Video: NKTI Pre-Transplant Orientation
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute stands as a beacon of hope for those suffering from kidney diseases and in need of organ transplants in the Philippines. With its wide array of specialized services, innovative treatments, and a commitment to providing affordable healthcare to all Filipinos, NKTI is truly at the forefront of medical excellence in the country. Whether you are seeking kidney care, dialysis, or organ transplant, NKTI continues to lead the way with its state-of-the-art facilities, skilled medical team, and extensive network of support services. Learn more about how NKTI operates by watching this video of one of their pre-transplant orientations:
Contact Information
For more information or for other questions, you may reach out to:
National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)
- Address: East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
- Phone: (63) (2) 8981-0300, 8981-0400, +639292222336 (viber)
- Email: pro@nkti.gov.ph
- Emergency Room: (63) (2) 8981-0300, 8981-0400 local 1430/1431