STATE-of-the-art ambulance units were turned over to eleven municipalities and cities in Davao Region to improve responsive health care in the region.
“The availability of ambulances will play a major role in strengthening the referral system which is a key aspect in achieving better health outcomes,” Department of Health Davao Region (DOH-Davao) said in a statement on October 14, 2022.
DOH said these ambulances will be availed for free by the patients, especially the less fortunate.
“Emergency care is an essential component of Universal Health Care; thus, ensuring accessible, zero-out-of-pocket expenses, high-quality care, and a responsive health system to the needs of the communities,” DOH said.
According to the DOH, the ambulance is worth P2,117,000 each. Inside the ambulance is an intercom system that will be used as a communication tool between the driver and the personnel in the patient compartment, it also has an ambulance stretcher, automatic external defibrillator (AED), nebulizer, portable suction machines, manual resuscitators, oxygen cylinder and other medical equipment and accessories that are needed to ensure quality patient transport.
Among the recipients are Monkayo and Maragusan in Davao de Oro; Carmen, Kaputian, Kapalong, New Corella, Sto. Tomas, Tagum City, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte; Lupon and the Calapagan birthing facility in Davao Oriental.
Usec. Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH Undersecretary for Visayas and Mindanao, said the recipients were issued an ambulance based on their Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH).
“They have submitted it on time, then the evaluation team evaluated them according to needs, so they have found out that ‘yong (the) 11 [recipients] are the ones who are supposed to receive now,” Dumama said.
He said that by next year they will turnover additional ambulances to other municipalities and cities in Davao Region. KSD