ILOCOS REGION — The Department of Health has provided 27 new ambulances to local government units across the four provinces of the Ilocos Region, enhancing emergency medical services in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, Glen Ramos, a program officer for the DOH-Center for Health Development-Region 1, detailed in a Tuesday phone interview that the ambulances are part of the Health Facility and Enhancement Program. This initiative is designed to improve medical response capabilities, particularly for emergency situations. “Each unit will be staffed by a nurse and a medical doctor to address and stabilize patients during transit to healthcare facilities,” Ramos explained.
DOH-Ilocos Director Paula Paz Sydiongco outlined the equipment aboard each ambulance, including a folding stretcher, nebulizer, defibrillator, and various medical instruments and supplies necessary for comprehensive patient care en route to hospitals. “The role of these ambulances is crucial for transporting patients from emergencies to adequate healthcare facilities, ensuring continuous medical support,” she stated.
The distribution of the new ambulances was allocated as follows: eight to Pangasinan, 16 to Ilocos Norte, one to Ilocos Sur, and two to La Union.