LIPA CITY, Batangas — On the 20th anniversary of World Kidney Day (March 12, 2026), the Renal and Transplant Institute (RTI) at Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Batangas is highlighting kidney transplantation as a superior, life-saving alternative to chronic dialysis for patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
According to the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), one Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour. For many, this has traditionally meant a lifetime of dialysis sessions—often three times a week—coupled with strict dietary restrictions and a high risk of medical complications.
Transplantation vs. Dialysis: Dr. Nathaniel Agoncillo, a senior nephrologist at Mary Mediatrix, emphasizes that while dialysis is a survival tool, transplantation offers “greater freedom, more energy, and a better quality of life.”
- Longevity: Recipients typically live significantly longer than those who remain on dialysis. Some transplant patients at the institute remain stable into their 70s and 90s.
- Lifestyle: Post-transplant patients experience fewer dietary restrictions and are freed from the grueling schedule of dialysis sessions.
- Risks: The procedure does carry risks, including organ rejection, infection, and surgical complications, but advancements in immunosuppressive therapy have made long-term success increasingly common.
Eligibility and Evaluation: Not every patient is a candidate for a transplant. Eligibility requirements include:
- Diagnosis of Stage 5 CKD with severely reduced function.
- Good overall physical and mental health.
- Absence of untreated active infections or serious cancers.
- Strong commitment to long-term post-transplant care.
The RTI conducts rigorous screenings, including blood and tissue typing, cardiac assessments, and psychosocial evaluations for both donors and recipients to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Mary Mediatrix Medical Center has a long history of renal care, having performed the first kidney transplant in the Southern Tagalog region in 1994. Today, the institute continues to advocate for organ donation and early CKD prevention as vital components of public health.
