By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare services across the country as he led the ceremonial turnover of 91 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) in Cagayan de Oro City.
During the turnover of 85 PTVs for local government units in Northern Mindanao and six PTVs for LGUs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the President highlighted the vital role of ambulances in ensuring timely medical attention, especially during emergency situations.
“Batid naman nating lahat na kapag kalusugan ang pinag-uusapan, ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kaya ang tunay na hamon dito ay kung papaano tayo makarating kaagad sa ospital o kung anong health facility,” Marcos said in a speech.
“Itong mga PTVs na ito ay makakatulong sa ligtas at maayos na pagdadala sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng medikal na atensyon,” he added.
The Chief Executive, likewise, shared the administration’s goal of providing at least one PTV to each LGU in the country within the next three years, with 985 newly procured PTVs to be distributed this year.
“Kapag nangyari ito, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, masasabi natin [na] 100 percent coverage na lahat ng munisipalidad sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon. Ito’y para sa akin isang tagumpay na hindi pa nagagawa sa ating kasaysayan,” he said.
The distribution of PTVs is part of the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Each PTV is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure timely and safe transportation of patients.
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