The country’s healthcare system response capabilities will get a shot in the arm as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the request of the Department of Health (DOH) to purchase 141 units of medical vehicles.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the Authority to Purchase Motor Vehicles (APMV) amounting to PHP387 million on June 11, the DBM said in a statement Wednesday.

The motor vehicles to be purchased include land and sea ambulances, as well as passenger vans for patient transport.

The acquisition is part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), which aims to address gaps in healthcare delivery and make facilities and services more accessible.

“Improving the responsiveness of our healthcare system is crucial to ensuring timely and effective medical care for everyone, particularly in underserved and geographically isolated areas,” Pangandaman said.

“The HFEP aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to providing efficient health services for all Filipinos,” she added. (PNA)