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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the Department of Health’s (DOH) purchase of P454-million medical vehicles to bolster health facilities.
In a statement on Wednesday, DBM said the authorization will allow the procurement of 173 medical vehicles under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program to increase accessibility of services.
The DOH aims to purchase the following:
- 161 land ambulances
- 2 mobile primary care facilities or mobile clinics
- 4 sea ambulances
- 4 passenger vans
- 1 transport vehicle
- 1 mobile blood donation van.
DBM approved the purchase of the first batch of 141 medical vehicles last June. It will be charged under the DOH’s 2024 budget.
“The purchasing of additional medical vehicles will surely augment the ongoing structural enhancements of our healthcare system,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman’s statement read.
“We support President Bongbong Marcos’ goal to prioritize strengthening our health facilities so they can give better quality and more reliable service to our people,” she added.