The Department of Health (DOH) distributed 27 new and fully equipped ambulances to the local government units (LGUs) of Ilocos Region's four provinces. The ambulance distribution is part of the Health Facility and Enhancement Program of the DOH, aimed to further serve the medical needs of the people, especially in emergency cases, according to DOH-Center for Health Development-Region 1 (DOH-CHD-1) program officer Glen Ramos in a phone interview on Tuesday. 'Each unit will be managed by a nurse and a medical doctor to provide the medical needs of patients such as treating and stabilizing those who are injured en route for further treatment to the nearest health care facility,' he said. DOH-Ilocos Director Paula Paz Sydiongco, in a statement, said each ambulance has a folding stretcher, nebulizer, portable suction machine, defibrillator, portable suction machine, examining light, aneroid sphygmomanometer, scoop stretcher, stethoscopes, non-contact thermometer, blood-glucose meter with strip, resuscitators f or infant, pediatrics and adult; oxygen therapy set; laryngoscopes set; and immobilization devices, delivery set and patient transfer monitor. 'We know that the transport of patients is very important from one health facility to another or from the scene of an emergency to a hospital, hence it should be able to provide health care support until it reaches the health facility,' she said. Eight ambulances were given to Pangasinan, 16 to IIocos Norte, one to Ilocos Sur and two to La Union. Source: Philippines News Agency