In a bid to strengthen emergency healthcare services at the grassroots level, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has turned over 33 brand-new ambulance units – one for each village – in time with the celebration of Valenzuela City’s 28th Charter Day.
With a total amount of P66 million from the senator’s office, the newly-deployed ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency medical features, including stretcher beds with safety restraints, spinal boards, and trauma kits, Mayor Weslie Gatchalian said on Wednesday.
Each unit also comes with interior LED (light-emitting diode) medical lighting and a two-way radio communication system device to ensure efficient dispatch and coordination with the city’s central command center, he said.
The vehicles were built with high-roof designs to allow paramedics to move comfortably while administering care and are fitted with sirens and high-visibility emergency lighting for safe and rapid transport through traffic, according to the local government.
The mayor said that investing in emergency medical infrastructure is crucial in a rapidly growing urban center, where timely medical response can mean the difference between life and death.
The deployment of dedicated ambulances per barangay empowers local officials and frontline responders to act swiftly and efficiently, the mayor pointed out.
“This program is in support of our health programs, providing fast and efficient service to our constituents through our brand-new ambulances. So, to our chairmen and barangay officials, let us reciprocate it with good service to our constituents,” the mayor told them during the turn-over ceremony.
The mayor’s brother and long-time Valenzuela chief executive, the senator has reaffirmed his commitment to helping local governments strengthen their healthcare capabilities.
It was also learned that the senator has also been providing similar support for various local government units, including those in remote municipalities and cities in the country.
“I also commend the leadership in Valenzuela for prioritizing public health and safety, especially in light of increasing demand for emergency services,” he said.