President Marcos Commits Patient Transport Vehicles for All LGUs
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that every local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines will get at least one patient transport vehicle by the end of 2025. This promise underscores the administration’s dedication to ensuring accessible medical services nationwide.
During a ceremony at Manila’s Quirino Grandstand, where patient transport vehicles were handed over to Luzon LGUs, Marcos emphasized the importance of these vehicles. “To those who have yet to receive their PTVs, my promise and my instruction is that by the end of 2025, we should say that all cities and municipalities in the country have a PTV,” he said. “Because in this administration, every Filipino has the right to accessible medical services.”
Distribution Details Across Regions
A total of 387 patient transport vehicles were distributed to Luzon’s various regions: 30 for Ilocos, 72 for Cagayan Valley, 100 for Central Luzon, 27 for Calabarzon, 59 for Mimaropa, 64 for Bicol, and 35 for the Cordillera Administrative Region. Beyond Luzon, 123 units will go to Eastern Visayas and 105 to Mindanao.
Palace officials noted that this distribution fulfills the President’s pledge to equip the country’s 149 cities and 1,493 municipalities with reliable, fully equipped medical transport vehicles. Since July 2022, 680 vehicles have been handed over nationwide, including 567 distributed just this year.
Purpose and Equipment of Patient Transport Vehicles
Unlike ambulances, patient transport vehicles are designed for patients with non-life-threatening conditions, such as scheduled checkups, routine visits, and hospital discharges. They are not permitted to use emergency sirens or blinkers. Each vehicle carries essential medical tools like stretchers, oxygen tanks, blood pressure monitors, and other supplies to ensure patient safety and timely transport.
Government Support and Funding
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office leads the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, targeting vulnerable and underserved communities. President Marcos approved a budget of P2.2 billion to fund the distribution of 1,000 patient transport vehicles nationwide.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps by equipping local units with necessary medical transport. Local leaders have expressed support, recognizing the impact these vehicles will have in improving patient care accessibility.
For more news and updates on patient transport vehicles, visit Filipinokami.com.