The Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the Department of Health’s (DOH) medical vehicles with a P387 million budget for the acquisition.
With the approval of the Authority to Purchase Motor Vehicles (APMV) last June 11, 2024, 141 motor vehicles can now be procured, which includes land and sea ambulances, as well as passenger vans for patient transport. This initiative is part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), aiming to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility in the Philippines.
Budget Secretary Pangandaman stated that, “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.”
Special Provision No. 6 in the 2024 DOH budget mandates using HFEP funds for constructing, upgrading, or expanding government health facilities and purchasing hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.
Budget Circular No. 2022-1 also requires an Authority to Purchase Motor Vehicles (APMV) from the DBM for buying motor vehicles, especially when funds are allocated for this purpose without prior approval, such as new items under the General Appropriations Act or for local government units.
Furthermore, the HFEP is aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s dedication to providing efficient healthcare services to all Filipinos, according to Pangandaman.
