The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday defended the purchase of ambulances that Sen. Panfilo Lacson alleged were “overpriced” at P2.5 million per unit.
In a media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Vergeire said that the DOH is always “transparent” and that they procured these Type 1 ambulances, at a “lowest calculated bid.”
“Ito ay complete package, lowest calculated bid po iyan [This is a complete package, this is the lowest calculated bid],” Vergeire said.
“We are very transparent,” she said, noting that the process of procurement went through their bids and awards committee. “Our documents are posted on the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.”
These ambulances were already distributed in Calabarzon, containing medical equipment and instruments such as automated external defibrillator (AED), portable suction machine, and oxygen cylinder.
Lacson said that without the AEB , which he said is around P300,000, the vehicle would only be worth around P1.27 million.
He said that he will raise this issue in the next Senate hearing.