Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

A QEPRESS DN
RECEIVED ‘@\

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BLL No._1733

Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This legislative measure seeks to create one Regional Kidney and Transplant
Institute in each of the administrative regions in the country. In this way, equal access
and privilege is extended to all Filipinos, regardless of their geographical location.

The Department of Health (DOH) recognizes chronic kidney disease (CKD) as
a significant public health concern, with Chronic kidney Disease (CKD) being among
the top 10 leading causes of death and disability in the country. The Philippine Renal
Disease Registry of the DOH also reported, as of March 2025, that hypertensive
nephrosclerosis accounted for 33.07% of kidney disease cases nationwide, followed
by diabetic nephropathy at 30.04% and chronic glomerulonephritis at 12.20%. NKTI
also noted a concerning rise in pediatric CKD cases, from 144 in 2023 to 301 in 2024.

As CKD develops over time, it often progresses to end-stage renal disease
(ESRD) or kidney failure. ESRD is a life-threatening condition that requires rigorous and
continuous medical intervention and life-sustaining treatments such as hemodialysis
or peritoneal dialysis, sometimes, it necessitates kidney transplantation. In fact, the
National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) revealed in a report that the number
of individuals undergoing dialysis treatment in the Philippines surged to 64,845 in
2024, marking a substantial 22% rise from 53,296 patients in 2023.

As specialized treatment for kidney disease, particularly for end-stage patients,
is highly resource-intensive and centralized in Metro Manila, it creates regional
disparities in the distribution of healthcare across the country. Patients whose homes
are located in cities outside the National Capital Region (NCR) face immense
logistical, financial and emotional burdens to access treatments such as dialysis and
kidney transplants. The costs associated with travel, accommodation and prolonged
stays can substantially add to already high medical expenses.

With this in mind, it is therefore imperative that we directly address such
inequities by establishing a Regional Kidney and Transplant Institute in each
administrative region. In this way, we can bring high-quality kidney care, including
crucial dialysis and transplant capabilities, closer to the Filipino people.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Representative
6" District, Batangas


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 1733

Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It 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 an equal opportunity to benefit from public specialty
healthcare services. Towards this end, the State shall create regional kidney and
transplant institutes throughout the country.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 4. Appropriations. - The amount 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.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official
Gazette.

Approved,