By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine Army (PA) has started the distribution of field ambulances to the battalion level as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade its medical units.
This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, Army spokesperson, when asked for updates on the PA’s medical service upgrade initiative.
“Distribution of field medical ambulance per battalion (is among the ongoing efforts),” Villanueva said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) late Monday.
A battalion is an Army formation consisting of around 300 to 900 officers and enlisted personnel.
Aside from this, the Army has also distributed first-aid kits for individual soldiers and combat life-saving kit per platoon as immediate means to treat and save lives in combat situation.
“Continuous upgrade of basic facilities of Army’s hospital and medical dispensaries (ex. ward, X-ray, surgical, isolation room) and lastly, our way ahead is to come up with a mobile field hospital that can provide immediate treatment to combat casualties (trauma capable, can conduct surgical operations, X-ray, etc.),” Villanueva said.
Earlier, the PA said improvement of its medical services and support capabilities, to ensure the survival of troops wounded in combats, is one of the ongoing priority thrusts.
“Medical treatment facilities and procedures are continuously being upgraded to be responsive to the operational requirements of the tactical units,” Villanueva added
