AS THE country’s healthcare system faces a crisis in dealing with growing Covid-19 cases, the World Medical Relief Asia (WMRA) continued to distribute much-needed medical supplies to needy government hospitals in Pampanga.

Ambassador of Health Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, Jr. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, led WMRA’s Team Philippines in handing out oxygen tubings, face masks, sterile gloves and other medical supplies to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH).

WMRA is an affiliate of Michigan-based World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMRI) a charitable organization founded 66 years ago.

The donations, deemed important in the treatment of Covid patients that also include isolation clothing, clinical drapes and blood transfer device, were received by Evelyn T. Gamboa, chief administrative officer of JBLMGH.

Joining Alvaro were WMRA Team Philippines volunteers Reverend Father Paul Silva, Rudy Mallari, Justin Gozun, Enix Salvador, lawyer Israel Fortoand WMRI Communications Director Noel Tulabut.

Alvaro said public hospitals are priority recipients as they serve indigents where medical supplies are either limited, lacking or being bought from commercial stores by patient relatives.

“Hospitals like these are principal beneficiaries in this drive in order to help ease burdens of both medical staff and the patients as well. This is our share alleviate their plight,” Alvaro said.

Previously, WMRA also donated medical supplies to the local government unit of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro and assorted medicines to JBLMGH.

Prior to this donation, another humanitarian group chaired by Alvaro also gave out six units of mechanical ventilators to various public hospitals in Pampanga and Concepcion, Tarlac.

The Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation, Inc. donated the apparatus intended for patients in critical care to JBLMGH, Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital, OspitalNing Angeles and Concepcion District Hospital. They cost P1 million each.

WMRA and BBIF have previous collaborations on medical outreaches as they share a common goal of helping alleviate people in dire need of medical attention. (PR)