(Photo by Janna Marie Pineda/PIA-NCR)

MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Monday assured his administration's full support to government programs that continue to help Filipinos with kidney disease, as he recognized the significance of institutions and healthcare workers commited to this life-saving role.

"We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid, and we will see to it that your institution gets all the help that is necessary for its advancement and its progress," said Pres. Marcos in his speech to mark the 40th anniversary celebration of the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City, and expressing his gratitude to the specialty hopital's hardworking doctors, nurses and medical personnel for their dedication, competence, and expertise in providing quality renal care and alleviating the suffering of Filipinos with ailments.

"So we are committed to supporting the NKTI in all its noble endeavors," he added.

"With many deaths attributed to kidney disease in our country, it is imperative that we ensure that dialysis treatment will be readily available, accessible, and cost-effective for our fellow Filipinos," he further said.

Pres. Marcos said the NKTI has helped at least 400,000 people since it was established in the country by his father, the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in 1983.

"The ultimate goal is to lower the deaths and disabilities associated with kidney disease and kidney failure, especially for those who are not able to access dialysis treatment due to the high cost," he said.

"From its humble beginnings as a 2-ward 50-bed facility, the NKTI has now grown into a 5-building complex with 383 beds, providing around the clock emergency services and state-of-the-art medical care," he added. (PIA-NCR)