THE Department of Health – Ilocos Region donated seven ambulances to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte which will be distributed to local government units (LGUs) to increase health services access in the communities as part of the Universal Health Care Program.
“These ambulances will also increase the level of functionality of our local government hospitals so that they may be empowered and equipped with the essential manpower, equipment and diagnostic tools in order for them to cater to a wide range of ailments and diseases and to broaden their catchment areas to include hard to reach and isolated localities,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated in her message during the turn-over ceremony held at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
“Pangalagaan ninyo ang mga ambulansyang ito upang magamit ninyo ng mahabang panahon. Give them proper care and maintenance and also ensure that they are utilized in accordance with the definition and standards provided by the health department.”
The ambulances are fully equipped with a folding stretcher, nebulizer, portable suction machine, defibrillator, portable suction machine, examining light, aneroid sphygmomanometer, scoop stretcher, stethoscopes, non-contact thermometer, blood-glucose meter with strip, resuscitators for infant, pedia and adult; oxygen therapy set; laryngoscopes set; immobilization devices, delivery set and patient transfer monitor.
The ambulances were granted through the initiative of Senator Imee Marcos and Congressman Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos III and was funded by the DOH Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) to provide the LGUs in the province the needed transport vehicle during emergency cases. An ambulance cost ₱2,232,500.00.
Ilocos Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, who received the units, vowed for more health care benefits for health workers and more improvements of healthcare facilities.
Among the LGU recipients were Sarrat Health and Diagnostic Center, Bangui District Hospital, Piddig District Hospital, Vintar District Hospital and Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital.
Marcos III assured that more health developments will be implemented in the province in the coming years to benefit more residents.
