Marcos Appeals to Healthcare Workers to Stay
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged healthcare workers to stay and serve in the Philippines as part of the government’s commitment to reinforce the country’s healthcare system. This call came during the recent distribution of patient transport vehicles in Eastern Visayas.
Speaking in Ormoc City, Leyte, the president highlighted the importance of retaining Filipino nurses and doctors amid concerns of them seeking employment abroad. “You know, our nurses and doctors are thinking of leaving and working abroad. But we are encouraging them to stay. They are Filipinos; of course, they want to help their own people,” he said.
Expanding Medical Services Nationwide
Marcos proudly announced a milestone: every municipality and city in the Philippines now has at least one doctor. This achievement is a key part of the administration’s broader healthcare goals. Moreover, the president reiterated plans to equip all 1,642 cities and municipalities with patient transport vehicles to improve medical response capabilities.
“We have been able to give away 1,173 PTVs. So malapit na, pinapangako sa akin ni Mel [Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Melquiades Robles] that by the end of the year, we will start already the second round,” Marcos added, signaling ongoing efforts to bolster emergency medical transport nationwide.
Delivering Patient Transport Vehicles in Eastern Visayas
At the event, 124 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) were handed over to local governments across Eastern Visayas, including Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte. These vehicles come fully equipped with essential medical tools such as stretchers, oxygen tanks, and blood pressure monitors, ensuring better emergency care for residents.
Inspecting Healthcare Facilities and Services
Following the vehicle distribution, Marcos visited the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City. There, he personally examined the implementation of the zero-balance billing system designed to reduce patient costs. “Dahil meron kaming naririnig na mahabang pila, mahirap pa rin, titignan natin paano natin aayusin,” he remarked, acknowledging ongoing challenges and promising improvements.
Supporting Agricultural Development in Ormoc
Before the healthcare event, the president conducted an ocular inspection of the RM Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Ormoc City. This P100-million initiative aims to provide irrigation water to 100 hectares of farmland, securing water supply for two cropping seasons. Local leaders noted this project will greatly benefit farmers and boost agricultural productivity in the region.
Through these efforts, the administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhance both health and livelihood sectors across the country.
For more news and updates on healthcare reforms and government projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
