The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) announced on Wednesday that it will not accept patients for now as its emergency room has reached full capacity.

In a statement, NKTI Executive Director Rose Marie Rosette-Liqute said the emergency room had accommodated three times more than its normal capacity, adding that no vacant rooms are available in the ward.

“Pinapayuhan po namin ang publiko na magsadya muna sa pinaka-malapit na ospital upang mabigyan ng kaagarang lunas ang inyong karamdaman,” she said.

[We advise the public to go to the nearest hospital to receive immediate treatment.]

Liqette said the hospital is crowded with patients diagnosed with kidney stones as well as those who are infected with leptospirosis and COVID-19.

In addition, the NKTI Director said they are facing shortage of nurses — a critical problem that government hospitals across the country face.

Patients who need assitance in finding available hospitals can call National Patient Navigation and Referral Center at moble numbers 0919-977-3333; 0917-878-7418; 0915-777-7777; or through the PLDT landline (02) 886-505-00 or 1555.