BARMM donates 2 sea ambulances to island towns

COTABATO CITY–To improve healthcare accessibility and response to emergencies in the island localities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has turned over on Monday two state-of-the-art sea ambulances to the municipalities of Lugus in Sulu, and Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each local government for the PHP9.5 million worth of watercraft was led by BARMM Health Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang.

The vessels were sponsored by Bangsamoro Transition Authority Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia under her Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) 2022.

“This generous contribution is poised to enhance emergency medical services in the remote and maritime towns, addressing the unique challenges of providing timely healthcare access to island communities,” Piang said.

He emphasized MOH’s efforts and commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in all corners of the BARMM.

Accompanying him were MOH-BARMM officials, including the Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Abdulhalik Kasim, MOH Director of Technical Services Dr. Israel Fawadz and MOH Planning Division Chief Anisa Matuan.

Piang said the sea ambulances, equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, will serve as lifelines for communities in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, where geographical remoteness and maritime settings often pose challenges to swift medical assistance.

BARMM health officials also said that the vessels are expected to play a crucial role in reducing response times during emergencies, thereby potentially saving lives and improving overall healthcare outcomes in the region.

“Access to basic quality health services has always been close to my heart,” MP Alamia said.

Earlier, Alamia stressed the need for accessible quality healthcare services, especially to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the BARMM.

She said as these sea ambulances set sail, they symbolize not only enhanced emergency medical capabilities but also a collaborative effort to ensure that no Bangsamoro is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare.

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor as well as the local chief executives of the two beneficiary municipalities were present during the turnover.