QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is engaging in discussions with Congress and the Department of Health (DOH) to propose amendments to the Organ Donation Act (Republic Act 7170) and other related policies, aiming to increase organ donation rates in the country. During a weekly news forum, NKTI's chief transplant coordinator, Peter Paul Plegaria, highlighted the ongoing efforts to revise legislation and policy frameworks to encourage more potential donors to come forward.
According to Philippines News Agency, despite advancements in digitalization to promote organ donation, the Philippines continues to see a disappointingly low number of donors. The current law prohibits the sale of organs, emphasizing donation as an altruistic act. The NKTI is actively consulting with legislative and health authorities to explore possible legal adjustments that would facilitate an increase in organ donations while adhering to ethical standards.
NKTI Public Health Unit head Dr. Maria Angeles Marbella pointed out a significant rise in hemodialysis patients, with an increase of 8,000 cases from 2023, marking a roughly 15-percent incidence of new chronic kidney disease cases requiring renal replacement therapy. This uptick underscores the urgent need for more kidney transplants and the establishment of additional transplant centers across the country.
Currently, the Philippines has 38 transplant centers, with 11 operated by government hospitals and 27 by private institutions. Plegaria noted the geographical disparities in access to transplant facilities, with several regions, including Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, lacking such centers. The NKTI is working to equip more DOH-run hospitals to serve as kidney transplant centers to address this gap.
In an effort to bolster organ donation advocacy, the NKTI has introduced an Organ Donor Card initiative, which has registered 367 potential donors since its inception last year. Despite these efforts, the donation rate remains low, prompting a call for public support to enhance registration for the Organ Donor Card.
This collaborative initiative between the NKTI, Congress, and the DOH reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges associated with organ donation and transplantation in the Philippines, aiming to save more lives through increased donor registration and improved legal and policy frameworks.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei — The National Day celebrations in Brunei were marked by a Grand Assembly featuring the collective recitation of the National Day Oath, emphasizing loyalty to the monarch and the country. The ceremony, witnessed by individuals from all walks of life, was a testament to the nation's unity and dedication.According to Radio Television Brunei, the oath reading was led by a group of 84 individuals, including Awang Amirulmukminien bin Haji Omar, a Prison Officer from the Prisons Department, and participants from diverse backgrounds such as Differently-Abled Persons. The ceremony was further highlighted by the three calls of takbir, led by Mohammad Naqiuddin bin Haji Ismail, a Producer Grade One at Radio Television Brunei.
The Grand Assembly saw the participation of eleven thousand individuals and featured a theme performance titled 'Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara', reflecting the populace's commitment to achieving the national vision, Wawasan Brunei 2035, and establishing a Zikir Nation. The performance showcased the importance of unity and earnestness among the people and residents of Brunei in pursuit of national goals.
Adding to the grandeur of the assembly, a Fly-Past by four Black Hawk aircraft and two C-295MW aircraft brought further excitement to the celebrations. The theme of 'Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara' underscored the significance of nationwide cooperation in the realms of development and security, highlighting a collective approach towards progress.
The National Day celebrations in Brunei thus stood as a vibrant display of the country's commitment to unity, loyalty, and the shared aspirations of its people.