Manila, April 7 -- The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) is on track to begin transplant operations by the third quarter of 2026, pending the completion of critical infrastructure and facility upgrades.

EVMC Medical Center Chief Joseph Michael Jaro said Tuesday this development follows a recent visit by the Department of Health (DOH) technical working group, led by National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) Executive Director Rose Marie Rosette-Liquete.

The team assessed EVMC's transplantation readiness using the risk stratification framework.

Jaro said EVMC has already established a capable workforce for transplantation, including transplant surgeons, nephrologists, and transplant anesthesiologists.

However, the hospital is ...