The World Medical Relief Asia (WMRA) on Thursday donated medical supplies to a government hospital in Pampanga as the country’s healthcare system faces a crisis in dealing with growing coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.

Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., the humanitarian group’s “ambassador of health”, led WMRA’s Team Philippines in handing out oxygen tubings, face masks, sterile gloves and other medical supplies to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH).

WMRA is an affiliate of Michigan-based World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMRI), a charitable organization founded 66 years ago.

JBLMGH chief administrative officer Evelyn T. Gamboa received the donations for the use of Covid-19 patients. The items also include isolation clothing, clinical drapes, and blood transfer device.

Alvaro said public hospitals are priority recipients as they serve indigents and have limited medical supplies.

“Hospitals like these are principal beneficiaries in this drive in order to help ease burdens of both medical staff and the patients as well. This is our share to alleviate their plight,” he said.

Previously, WMRA also donated medical supplies to the municipality of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro and assorted medicines to JBLMGH.

Prior to this donation, another humanitarian group chaired by Alvaro also gave out six mechanical ventilators to various public hospitals in Pampanga and Concepcion, Tarlac.

The Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation, Inc. (BBIF) donated the apparatus for patients in critical care to JBLMGH, Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital, Ospital Ning Angeles and Concepcion District Hospital. The equipment cost PHP1 million each.

WMRA and BBIF have previous collaborations on medical outreaches as they share a common goal of helping people in dire need of medical attention. (PNA)