Some 14 rural and city health units in five provinces in the Bicol region received new land ambulance units from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) early this week.

In a media release on Wednesday, DOH-5 said the ambulances would help local government units (LGUs) provide faster and more efficient health services through complete and appropriate medical transportation and equipment.

Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz said the grant shows the health department’s commitment to making quality health care accessible to all.

The turnover held at the DOH regional office here on Monday is one of the many strides in achieving Universal Health Care for all Bicolanos, Albornoz added.

Recipients of the land ambulances were the Rural Health Units (RHU) of Guinobatan, Jovellar, Libon, Malinao, Pio Duran, and Tiwi in Albay; LGU of Camarines Sur and RHUs of Garchitorena, San Jose, and Naga City; RHUs of Baras and Bato in Catanduanes; LGU of Masbate City in Masbate province; and RHU of Irosin in Sorsogon province.

According to DOH-5’s statement, each fully equipped ambulance unit costs PHP1.9 million and comes with complete medical equipment, instruments, accessories, and peripherals. (PNA)