The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allotted P387 million to the Department of Health for its medical vehicles.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of authority to purchase motor vehicles (APMV), permitting the procurement of 141 units of motor vehicles, including land and sea ambulances, as well as passenger vans for patient transport.
The acquisition is part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), aimed at addressing gaps in healthcare delivery and making facilities and services more accessible.
“Improving the responsiveness of our healthcare system is crucial to ensuring timely and effective medical care for everyone, particularly in underserved and geographically isolated areas. The HFEP aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to providing efficient health services for all Filipinos,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
Based on Special Provision No. 6 of the DOH budget for 2024, funds from the HFEP should be used to build, upgrade, or expand government health facilities and buy hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.
According to Budget Circular No. 2022-1, the APMV is required from the DBM if specific funds are set aside for buying motor vehicles without prior approval, such as new items under the General Appropriations Act or for local government units.
An APMV is also needed if the vehicle purchase differs from the original approval details, such as changes in type, quantity, intended use, user, or specifications.
Pangandaman approved the APMV on 11 June 2024, which will be charged against the HFEP of the DOH under the FY 2024 GAA.
This year, the DBM allocated around P28.58 billion for the HFEP, up 6.6 percent from the P26.81 billion earmarked in 2023.