DOH – Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco (L) and Pasuquin Mayor Robert D. Aguinaldo cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the turn over of the new sea ambulance for Pasuquin LGU at Port Davila, Pauquin, Ilocos Norte on May 16, 2024.
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region turned over four (4) new sea ambulances to local government units of Pasuquin, Currimao, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and Laoag City in Ilocos Sur to be used for emergency medical transport in a ceremony held at Port Davila in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that the sea ambulance is an innovation of universal health care that aims to provide more access to all Filipinos and vulnerable populations by ensuring the availability of functional health facilities and medical transport vehicles 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 also 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 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.
