MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (BukidnonNews.Net/05 October 2024)—The Provincial Government of Bukidnon has now released a total of 187 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to the province’s 464 barangays.
The second batch of PTVs were given to each of the 91 barangays on Sept. 27. Gov. Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Vice Governor Clive D. Quiño, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led the turnover rites.
“Our mission is clear, to improve Bukidnon’s healthcare system. To make our barangays more able to serve in emergencies,” said Gov. Roque during the blessing and turnover rites. He added that this development shows a critical component of the provincial government’s service that goes down to the barangay level.
The capitol has now used a total of P294.98 million for this barangay PTV distribution project with funding sourced from the Trust Fund of the PGO-Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (PDRRMD).
The first batch of PTVs were given to 96 barangays on December 5, 2023. Along with the first batch, the provincial government also released six units for the PDRRMD and three for the PGB carpool.
The PTV, which differs from an ambulance unit as it could be used for medical non-emergencies, costs ₱1.505 million each. The first batch of PTVs amounted to ₱158.025 million, while the second batch amounted to ₱136.955 million. Based on description of the PTVs distributed in the first batch, the PTV is a Toyota Hilux FX 4×2 MT – M2-11, color ultra-white 2.4L, with rear air-conditioning system.
Last year, Roque said the PTVs form part of what he envisioned as the “Patient Navigation and Referral System” in the “One Hospital Command.
In previous statements, the provincial government said the program is intended to provide the people with a high-quality healthcare system in compliance with the Universal Health Care Act.
The PGB transfers ownership of the vehicles to the respective barangays, who in turn will take charge of the fuel and maintenance expenses, an official source said.
BukidnonNews.Net is yet to acquire a list of the barangays, which already received their PTVs. The provincial government said last year the distribution was given first to barangays that require it the most. Sources said the distribution will be completed in five years. (Contributed by Mel B. Madera for BukidnonNews.Net)