In a significant move towards providing accessible and affordable lung transplantation services, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. inaugurated the country's first lung transplant program on January 23 at the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) in Quezon City.
“Let us remember that healthcare is our covenant with the people, a public commitment driven by neither political agenda nor personal legacy projects. In this hospital where heroes walked and worked, may this program be a testament to our unwavering duty to serve the Filipinos,” President Marcos stated during the launch event where he also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
He further emphasized that the joint program between the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) exemplifies the collaborative nature of their partnership, envisioning it as a template for hospitals to collectively pool resources and enhance patient care. The President acknowledged that the synergy between these two prominent institutions could result in superior outcomes and improved efficiency in healthcare services.
Addressing Barriers to Lung Transplantation
Initiated on November 25, 2022, through a memorandum of agreement, the joint lung transplant program aims to address barriers hindering lung transplantation in the Philippines. These include challenges such as the lack of infrastructure, organ donation and allocation systems, limited access to trained personnel, and financial constraints. The program seeks to overcome these obstacles through the development of a comprehensive lung transplant manual.
Tackling Respiratory Health Challenges
Highlighting the pressing need for lung transplantation services, records indicated that pneumonia and other respiratory diseases ranked among the top causes of mortality among Filipinos in the first seven months of 2023. Additionally, acute lower respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis (TB) remained prevalent, underlining the significance of the initiative to combat these respiratory health challenges.
Infrastructure Development for Improved Patient Care
As part of the program, the LCP has undertaken infrastructure improvements to enhance its capacity. Notable developments include the renovation of the post-anesthesia care unit and surgical intensive care unit, funded through the 2024 General Appropriations Act and private sector donations.
Legacy of LCP and NKTI
President Marcos expressed confidence in the success of the joint efforts by LCP and NKTI.
Established in 1981 through Presidential Decree No. 1823, the Lung Center of the Philippines and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute were created to address respiratory health problems and kidney-related diseases in the country. President Marcos highlighted the government's commitment to establishing specialized medical centers, with a particular focus on lung specialty centers, aiming to have a total of 179 medical specialty centers, including nine dedicated to lung care, by 2028
