AMBULANCE FOR ALL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the turnover of patient transport vehicles to local chief executives in Ormoc City on Monday (Aug. 18, 2025) as part of the government's push to strengthen emergency healthcare services nationwide. The latest distribution covers 124 units for Eastern Visayas, raising nationwide coverage to 75 percent of all local government units. (RTVM Screengrab)
MANILA – Three out of every four local government units (LGUs) nationwide have been provided with patient transport vehicles (PTVs), with more on the way as part of government efforts to strengthen the country's emergency healthcare system.
This as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of 124 PTV units for Eastern Visayas LGUs in Ormoc City.
Marcos said the rollout is part of his administration's commitment to ensure that every province, city, and municipality will have access to emergency medical transport.
"This is part of the continuing, shall we say, strengthening of our healthcare system. Dahil talaga bata pa ko, laging pinapaalala sakin na kahit gaano ka kayaman, kahit gaano ka kasikat, kapag ikaw ay may sakit, hindi mo ma-enjoy ang pinaghirapan mo sa buong buhay mo. So the most important thing for every person, ang kalusugan (Ever since I was young, I was reminded that no matter how wealthy or popular you are, if you get sick, you cannot enjoy the fruits of your labor. Health is the most important thing for every person)," the President said.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which implements the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, has already delivered 1,297 PTVs nationwide, covering 75 percent of all LGUs.
The vehicles are equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, first aid kits, blood pressure monitors, and medicine cabinets, enabling safe and timely patient transfers, especially in remote communities.
Marcos said the initiative directly supports the Universal Health Care Act by making essential health services accessible.
He also highlighted other ongoing reforms, such as the establishment of specialty centers, cancer and dialysis facilities, and the introduction of "zero billing" in Department of Health hospitals.
"By the end of the year, we will start already the second round [of distribution]. Kasi pag natapos na namin, mag-100% na lahat ito, 1,642 na bayan at lungsod, babalikan ulit namin. Kasi pag maliit, okay na yung isa, pag malaki, kulang. Patuloy lang ito hanggang maayos na yung ating sistema (Once we complete 100% coverage for all 1,642 cities and municipalities, we will begin a second round. Smaller LGUs may be fine with one unit, but larger ones will need more. This will continue until we fix the entire system)," Marcos added.
For 2025, PCSO has allocated PHP1 billion for the procurement of an additional 395 units, keeping the program on track to achieve full nationwide coverage before the year ends. (PNA)
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