DBP Boosts Cancer Care with Major Medical Equipment Donation to NKTI
In a significant move to enhance healthcare services, the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has donated a crucial medical device to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), one of the country's premier government hospitals. The donation ceremony featured key officials from both institutions, marking a collaborative effort to improve cancer treatment accessibility.
Key Officials Present at Turnover Ceremony
The official turnover of the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine was attended by prominent figures from the healthcare and banking sectors. Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa was present alongside DBP leadership, including President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus and Chairman Philip G. Lo. NKTI was represented by Executive Director Dr. Jose Dante P. Dator.
Also participating in the event were several DBP executives:
- Senior Vice President Carolyn I. Olfindo
- Senior Vice President Ma. Cristina Malab
- Senior Assistant Vice President Regina F. Tronco
- Senior Manager Romil Joseph N. Sinocruz
- Manager Maryknell R. Porcioncula
These officials were joined by other representatives from NKTI, demonstrating the institutional commitment to this healthcare initiative.
Restoring Vital Cancer Treatment Services
DBP President Michael O. de Jesus emphasized that the LINAC machine donation will enable NKTI to restart its radiation therapy services, which had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. This advanced medical equipment is specifically designed for radiation oncology services, providing targeted treatment for cancer patients.
"The donation to NKTI strengthens the Bank's commitment to supporting the government's healthcare program that benefits the marginalized and underserved communities," de Jesus stated. "It is an initiative that will truly serve the Filipino people."
DBP's Strategic Healthcare Support
As the ninth largest bank in the Philippines based on assets, DBP has identified healthcare as a priority within its social services and community development sector. The bank provides credit support to four key economic areas, with social services representing a crucial component of their development strategy.
De Jesus described the LINAC machine as a significant boost to NKTI's public healthcare services, particularly for patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who rely on government medical facilities for treatment.
NKTI's Medical Excellence
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute, established in 1981, operates as a tertiary medical center specializing in comprehensive patient care for renal diseases and related conditions. As a government hospital, NKTI serves a broad cross-section of Filipino patients, making this equipment donation particularly impactful for public healthcare accessibility.
Future Healthcare Collaborations
De Jesus indicated that DBP plans to continue exploring opportunities to support the healthcare sector through partnerships with national government agencies, particularly the Department of Health (DOH). This includes potential collaborations with other state-run hospitals and medical institutions across the country.
"DBP remains committed to standing alongside NKTI and our healthcare partners in supporting activities, programs, and projects that aim to improve the lives of our fellowmen, especially the underprivileged," the DBP president affirmed.
This donation represents a tangible example of public-private collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs, specifically in cancer treatment infrastructure that had been disrupted by the pandemic. The resumption of radiation therapy services at NKTI is expected to benefit numerous patients requiring specialized oncology care.
