EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
H.B.No._5426

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Most of the Aklanons suffering from end-stage renal diseases go to Metro Manila for
dialysis treatment. This adds burden to the patients because those who cannot afford
transportation and lodging costs in Manila just stay in the province and settle for whatever

treatment is available in the Province.

This bill aims to create one Regional Kidney and Transplant Institute (RKTI) in each
of the administrative regions in the country. By doing so, the government ensures that equal
access and privilege to avail of specialized and quality renal care is extended to more
Filipinos. The RKTI shall be administered by the DOH and may be created within the existing
DOH Regional Hospitals and Medical Centers. The RKTI shall be equipped with essential
renal care equipment and necessary medical supplies and shall tap the services of kidney

specialists and professionals who shall render services at a subsidized cost.

The creation of RKTI will also unburden the patients from the provinces of the
additional costs associated with the long distance travel. The same resources can be used for
their other basic needs to sustain life. It is envisioned that by bringing the specialized kidney

care services closer to patients, more lives will eventually be saved.

\
ea T(HARESCO, JR.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE Ee

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR.

AN ACT
CREATING ONE REGIONAL KIDNEY AND TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE (RKTI) IN EACH OF
THE ADMINISTRATIVBE REGIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS.
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Regional Kidney and
Transplant Institute (RKTI) Act of 2019”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - t is hereby declared as the policy of the State to
secure the well-being of its people by providing them with specialized health services and
address the increasing incidence of deadly diseases like kidney illness in the country. It is
also the policy of the State to take the initiative in medical and scientific research and study
on kidney and allied diseases and to contribute to the prevention and treatment of such
diseases. It is also the policy of the state to ensure that every region in the country shall have
the equal opportunity to benefit from public specialty healthcare services. Towards this end,

the State shall create regional kidney and transplant institutes throughout the country.

SECTION 3. Regional Kidney and Transplant Institute (RKTI). - There is hereby
created one (1) Regional Kidney and Transplant Institute (RKTI) in each of the
administrative regions in the country. The RKTIs shall provide specialized renal care
services for Filipinos suffering from kidney diseases with special consideration for
the marginalized members of the society: Provided, That the operation and maintenance of
the RKTI shall be under the Department of Health (DOH): Provided, further. That the RKTI
shall pursue excellence in developing and establishing the highest level of training and
research for physician and paramedical personnel: Provided, even further, That the RKTI
may be created within the existing DOH Regional Hospitals and Medical Centers as deemed
feasible by the DOH: Provided, finally. That the RKTI shall provide the same quality of renal
care as that of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.


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SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The fund requirement necessary for the
implementation of this Act and the initial operation and maintenance of the RKTIs shall be
charged against the Contingent Fund. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be included in the subsequent annual General
Appropriations Act under the budget of the DOH.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety days (90) after the
effectivity of this Act, the DOH and the Department of Budget and Management shall

promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) days following its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,