The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) has donated ambulance units to 17 health stations across the region.

Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BARMM health minister, said Tuesday the distribution of new ambulance units was realized through the region’s Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF), a lead project of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that assists identified beneficiaries.

“This is a sign that our government is responsive to the needs of our community,” Piang said.

Each ambulance costs PHP1.5 million.

Piang reminded recipients of the new ambulances that they should be used wisely and effectively to enhance the emergency medical response system in BARMM.

Meanwhile, Anisa Matuan, MOH Planning Division chief, said 17 more ambulance units are coming for the other local health centers around the region.

Matuan said Basilan province has received five units of ambulance, Maguindanao eight, and one each for Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao Norte and Kabacan, North Cotabato. (PNA)