TO bring reproductive health services closer to the public, a Mobile Health CaraVan was turned over to the Department of Health Davao Region (DOH-Davao).
“The Philippines has the highest rate of [case] increase in the world, at 278 percent mula 2010, gusto nating tulungan ito [HIV patients]... hirap tayong hanapin at tulungan ‘yong mga brothers and sisters na merong HIV or may problema sa HIV lalo na’t pandemya (at 278 percent since 2010. During the pandemic, it was not easy for those with HIV to look for services),'' Marvi Trudeau, Deputy Executive Director and Director for Externally Funded Programs of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), said in an interview during the turnover ceremony on October 6, 2022.
Trudeau said that they had allocated P3.8 million for the van, which has a full-clinic set-up with a laboratory, consultation, examination area, and comfort room.
Meanwhile, DOH said the mobile clinic would target the far-flung areas in the Davao Region to offer reproductive health services, including distribution of preventative medication against HIV, HIV testing and screening, antiretroviral therapy refill, and more.
“Kung titingnan natin, ito na ang isa sa pinakamagandang maitutulong na maibibigay natin sa lahat, it’s not only for HIV actually, papalaganapin natin yong universal health care na mapalapit natin don sa areas na hindi masyadong naaabot ng mga serbisyo (This is one of the best ways we can extend our help to everyone not only for HIV patients but as well as bring universal health care to far flung areas),” Usec. Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH Undersecretary for Visayas and Mindanao, said.
DOH Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said they will also install additional medical equipment like an X-ray machine in the vehicle.
For his part, Dr. Ashley Lopez, City Health Office Head, said the city has also procured a P14 million mobile clinic in the form of a bus.
“Because ‘yong (the) concept ng (of) mobile clinic that is being procured by the city will contain a minor operating room, laboratory, may ultrasound and chest X-ray machine. That is why when I heard about this turnover, I was so glad because I know, and I’m sure, this will be a big help, especially in the augmentation of our operations, especially on the field,” Lopez said.
City Information Office officer-in-charge Harvey Lanticse said the City Government of Davao will help raise awareness of health care services.
“We will really strengthen the collaboration with the City Health Office and the Department of Health in terms of raising awareness to boost the prevention and treatment efforts para ma-manage ang (to manage) HIV cases not only in Davao City but the entire Davao Region,” Lanticse said. KSD