Manila: The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is set to reopen its Radiation Oncology Services this year to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment, the institute said.

According to Philippines News Agency, the resumption of services will be made possible through the donation of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) following a ceremonial turnover and signing of the deed of donation.

The reopening marked the revival of NKTI's Radiation Oncology Service, which ceased operations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and has not been in use since 2022.

The Radiation Oncology Section was established to address the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare services, particularly in the delivery of radiation therapy for cancer patients, the NKTI said.

The service is part of the NKTI Radiation Oncology Project (NKTI-ROP), which was implemented through a public-private partnership in 2015.

The LINAC is commonly used for external beam radiation therapy and allows precise treatment of tumor sites by delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

With more than four decades of experience in healthcare, NKTI emphasized that the facility underscores its commitment to improving patient care through expanded services and the adoption of modern medical technology.

The resumption of radiation oncology services is expected to significantly improve access to cancer treatment for patients who require radiotherapy, it said.