CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) 10 (Northern Mindanao) released PHP5.5 million to Misamis Oriental’s provincial government for its Universal Health Care (UHC) program.
In a statement Friday, Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., DOH-10 director, said the fund would mainly fund the province’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP).
Dr. Israel Peralta Jr., the provincial health officer, said the DOH support is aligned with what Governor Peter Unabia envisioned for the province's health care by achieving the UHC implementation by 2024.
"The UHC intends to deliver quality health care and also oversee the overall aspect of every person's health status," he said.
Meanwhile, the DOH-10 also turned over six ambulance vehicles to the provincial government through its health facilities enhancement program.
Llacuna said the ambulances would be distributed to six local government units (LGUs) in the province.
The ambulances, which are Nissan Urvan NV350 models, have an average price of PHP1.3 million per unit, based on the standard Nissan dealership rate in the Philippines.
Ambulance in Misamis Occidental
On the other hand, the DOH-10 also turned over five ambulances to the provincial government of Misamis Occidental that were also dispensed to five of its LGUs.
"I cannot over-emphasize the importance of ambulance. The patients deserve more services from us, especially in their transport from one facility to another," Llacuna said.
He also said the reality remains in rural communities that not all hospitals have the same breadth of facilities and patients must be transferred to hospitals with existing equipment needed.
"Therefore, the need for the patients to be referred to them (in hospitals with facilities), and this is made possible through good ambulances," he said.
Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal said the provincial government has so far provided PHP11.6 million in financial support to 1,070 patients seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment, and rehabilitation in both government and private hospitals. (PNA)
