NKTI converts gym into leptospirosis ward for 70 patients

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) gymnasium has been converted into a leptospirosis ward to accommodate nearly 70 patients following Tropical Cyclone Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, with both the emergency room and makeshift ward reaching full capacity on Friday.

Dr. Romina Danguilan, NKTI's Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services, reported that 125 patients are currently at the ER, of which only 66 are in beds while the rest receive medical attention in wheelchairs or mono block stools.

Since January, seven leptospirosis patients have died at NKTI, including recent fatalities due to the influx caused by flooding from Typhoon Carina; cases this year are observed to be more severe with some requiring dialysis and intubation.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 67 cases between July 14 and 27 and expects more due to ongoing flooding and a two-week incubation period for the disease, advising against bringing patients to NKTI unless necessary.

NKTI has requested additional staff from DOH, including 20 nurses and 10 internal medicine doctors, while also calling on volunteer nurses to augment their manpower; fortunately, some volunteers have already been deployed.