THE Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-Barmm) turned over Wednesday, June 2, eight ambulance units to various barangay health stations (BHS) and rural health units (RHU) in different towns of Maguindanao.

Dr. Bashary Latiph, MOH minister, said the acquisition of the ambulances is as "step toward the fulfillment of the mandate and vision of the ministry under the Barmm government."

Latiph noted how ambulances save lives in times of emergencies.

"The ambulance service will be the first point of care for the patients from home, from RHU (Regional Health Unit), from accident sites sometimes, to the referral hospitals. They are tasked to provide first aid," Latiph said.

He said each ambulance unit was supplied with vital emergency medical equipment such as oxygen cylinder, heavy duty stethoscope, folding stretcher, scoop stretcher, automatic external defibrillator, nebulizer, portable suction machine, examining light, and aneroid sphygmomanometer, among others.

He said two units of mobile phones were also supplied for the ambulance's driver and the town's medical officer use.

He said the recipients of the ambulances are the Benolen Barangay Health Station (BHS) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Buluan RHU, South Upi RHU, Datu Paglas RHU, Shariff Aguak RHU, Talayan RHU, Rajah Buayan RHU and Buldon RHU.

The health official said the number adds up to 20 units previously turned over to the region's four other provinces -- eight units for Lanao del Sur, three units for Basilan, six for Sulu, and three units for Tawi-Tawi.

He reminded the recipients that the ambulance units should only be utilized in advancing the healthcare services in their communities in cases of traumatic and emergency incidents. (SunStar Zamboanga)