True to its commitment to ensure access to high-quality, safe, and people-centered healthcare services across the life course, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region yesterday turned-over four (4) sea ambulances to four (4) LGUs of Ilocos Norte during a turn-over ceremony held at Port Davila in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte on May 17, 2024.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that the sea ambulance is an innovation of universal health care which aims to provide more access to all Filipinos and vulnerable population by ensuring the availability of functional health facilities and medical transport vehicle in the region.
“Hindi lamang ito para sa mga emergency patients natin dahil magbibigay din ito ng preventive health care services and will be part of our primary care services at the local level and this will be integrated sa mga rural health units at ospital ng ating mga LGUs.”
“Lalagyan po natin ito ng medical equipment and emergency kits na kakailanganin upang makapagbigay ng agarang pangunahing lunas sa mga pasyente natin,” Sydiongco assured.
She reminded recipient LGUs to take good care of the sea ambulances and provide the needed regular maintenance to ensure their maximum usage.
Each sea ambulance costs Php4,998,750.00. The purchase was made possible through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).
Among the recipients were the local government of units of Pasuquin, Currimao, Pagudpud and Laoag City.
Among the attendees were Congressman Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Pasuquin Mayor Robert D. Aguinaldo, OIC LHSD Dr. Rosario P. Pamintuan, Ilocos Norte PDOHO Dr. Virgilio C. Mangapit and staff and LGU officials of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
(Source: DOH Ilocos Region Press Release)