In response to the claims that the Department of Health (DOH) procured ‘overpriced’ ambulances, the department said that the ambulances procured are compliant with the licensing standards outlined in Administrative Order 2018-0001 and have undergone competitive bidding to get the lowest price possible in a statement released on Saturday, Sept. 4.
The DOH added that it will await and welcome the official documents being referred to so the department can appropriately and adequately answer queries regarding the procurement of the ambulances.
“We will be able to shed light on the issue once we see the specific documents. Ang masasabi ko lang ay nag-procure ang mga implementing units ng naaayon sa batas,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
The DOH explained that their procured ambulances are type I ambulances, fitted with Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment such as defibrillators, laryngoscopes with 3 blade sizes, suction machines, immobilization devices, and communication equipment as prescribed under the licensing standards outlined in Administrative Order 2018-0001. Additionally, included in the procured ambulance are usually vehicle insurance, LTO registration, and orientation and training of end-users on the use and care of the ambulance and equipment.
The DOH further reiterated that it remains true to its commitment to upholding transparency in its transactions and said that all of the relevant documents of the procurement are made public on its website.
“Tayo po sa DOH ay mananatiling bukas ang pinto sa mga inquiries na ito bilang parte ng checks and balances sa gobyerno. Sa pagprocure ng mga ambulansya, ang hangarin lang po namin ay magbigay ng mas mabuting serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa panahon ng kanilang pangangailangan,” Secretary Duque added. (DOH) – bny
