CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Sept. 10 (PIA)--Patients in the far-flung areas in Panukulan and the Polillo group of islands can now have access to mainland hospital in Quezon province as the Department of Health Region 4A formally turned over the Calabarzon's first sea ambulance on Friday, September 6.

The sea ambulance purchased by the DOH Region 4A under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program targets to provide medical transport for patients living in island communities, classified as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas by the health department.

DOH Region 4A Regional Director Eduardo Janairo during the turnover ceremony said that patients from island communities serviced by the sea ambulance would be transported to the Claro M. Recto Memorial hospital, a 25-bed capacity health facility located in Infanta town.

"Lahat ng RHU ng Polilio Island ng Quezon as ikakabit natin sa mainland hospital at uunahin natin ang RHU ng Panukulan at kung may mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng mas mataas na antas ng paggamot, gagamitin natin ang telemedicine upang maka-access tayo sa mga espesyalista na nasa Maynila," Janairo said.

According to the DOH Region 4A, the sea ambulance can transport patients from Panukulan to Infanta within 45 minutes in good weather condition.

He added they have yet to furnish the needed medical equipment and emergency kits that will be placed in the sea ambulance and that they "will endeavor to acquire them immediately to complete its emergency care services."

The regional health director also said they will purchase seven additional sea ambulance for other GIDAs in Quezon province including Alabat, Calauag, Patnanungan, Perez, Quezon, and Polilio.

Janairo also emphasized the purchase of the sea ambulance is part of the strengthening the healthcare system in Calabarzon. He also stressed that it is largely possible due to taxpayer's money.

"Isang parte lamang ito sa implementasyon ng ating universal health care system at hindi lang ito para sa mga pasyeteng nangangailangan ng agarang pagpapagamot sa ospital. Magbibigay din ito ng preventive health care services," said Janairo. (PIA4A/DOH4A)