TO improve the country’s healthcare system response capabilities, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the issuance of Authority to Purchase Motor Vehicles (APMV) amounting to P387 million to the Department of Health (DOH).
The approval of the APMV permits the procurement of 141 units of motor vehicles including land and sea ambulances, as well as passenger vans for patient transport. The acquisition is part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), aimed at addressing gaps in healthcare delivery and making facilities and services more accessible.
“Improving the responsiveness of our healthcare system is crucial to ensuring timely and effective medical care for everyone, particularly in underserved and geographically isolated areas. The HFEP aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to providing efficient health services for all Filipinos,” Sec. Mina Pangandaman stated.
Special Provision No. 6 of the DOH budget for 2024 states that funds from the HFEP should be used to build, upgrade, or expand government health facilities, and to buy hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles for these facilities.
According to Budget Circular No. 2022-1, an APMV from the DBM is required if there are specific funds set aside for buying motor vehicles without prior approval, such as new items under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or for Local Government Units (LGUs). Additionally, an APMV is needed if the vehicle purchase differs from the original approval details, such as changes in type, quantity, intended use, user, or specifications.
Sec. Pangandaman approved the APMV on 11 June 2024, charged against the HFEP of the DOH under the FY 2024 GAA.
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