The Bureau of Customs (BOC) donated various abandoned medical equipment to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Tuesday.

The donation came at a time when SPMC has been designated as the sole facility in Davao Region where 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients can be admitted.

In a statement, BOC said it coordinated with First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte to facilitate the donation of the medical equipment, which have been sitting idly inside the agency’s warehouse for some time.

Duterte, in a statement on Tuesday, said the donation would boost the patient-care capacity of SPMC, making sure that all patients are properly taken care of and accommodated.

The presidential son also underscored the need for government agencies to come up with immediate but effective measures to address health crisis facing the country.

“It is our job to make sure that they are fully equipped as our front-liners. We need to make sure that our resources are efficiently distributed,” the House Deputy Speaker said.

Led by District Collector Erastus Sandino Austria, BOC-Davao delivered to SPMC a total of eight 40-foot container vans containing gurneys, wheelchairs, bed-side and operating tables, dialysis chairs, medical trolleys and crutches, pharmaceutical refrigerators, and sterilizers.

“In the midst of this global pandemic, BOC-Davao gives its full commitment to support the efforts of our front-liners, health workers, volunteers, local government leaders and the chair of the Regional Covid-19 Task Force, Mayor Sara Duterte,” Austria said.

“Being front-liners ourselves, we remain committed to the call of duty to ensure that goods are released without undue delay in this time of crisis.” he added.

SPMC Medical Chief, Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega said the donated equipment will help their medical front-line workers respond more effectively to the challenges brought by Covid-19. (PNA)