THE province of Ilocos Norte led by Gov. Matthew Manotoc (seventh from left) receives five fully-equipped ambulances from the Department of Health. The turnover was witnessed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos (eighth from left). (Photo via Freddie Lazaro)
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte on Wednesday, Feb. 1, received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine and five brand-new ambulances from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development 1.
DOH-CHD 1 Director Paula Paz M, Sydiongco turned over the ambulances to Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc in the presence of Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.
Manotoc said the DOH-CHD 1 gave the MRI and patient transport vehicles to improve health emergency and essential services in the province.
The MRI and one ambulance were deployed to the provincial government-run Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH) here.
The four other fully-equipped ambulances were assigned to the provincial district hospitals in Sarrat, Piddig, Vintar, and Bangui.
The DOH pledged seven ambulances to the province. Two more will be delivered to the province's second district soon.
“This is the first time in the history of Ilocos Norte that we will have an MRI machine sa ating hospital facility (in our hospital). So, we’re very glad and honored,” Manotoc said.
He urged recipients to look after the medical equipment well and bared that the provincial government is working to raise the compensation of healthcare professionals and plans to add more medical professionals to the province's workforce.
Dr. Rogelio R. Balbag, executive director of the Ilocos Norte Hospital Management Council, thanked the DOH-CHD 1 and the national government for providing funds to improve more health facilities in the province.