The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here has turned over a sea ambulance to the local government unit of Tarangnan, Samar, to ensure quick response during health emergencies in island communities.

DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Exuperia Sabalberino on Thursday said the PHP4 million sea ambulance, funded through its Health Facilities Enhancement Program, would boost the health programs of local government units in the region.

The ambulance, which was officially turned over to the local government on Wednesday, is equipped with a stretcher, automatic external defibrillator, nebulizer, portable suction machines, oxygen cylinder, and other medical equipment and accessories.

“The island villages will now have the opportunity to be referred to the appropriate facilities, the nearest hospital, that can cater to their needs,” Sabalberino said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Mayor Danilo Tan thanked the DOH for choosing them to receive the sea ambulance, adding that his administration has been working hard to ensure that the medical and health needs of the people are provided.

“This will guarantee that every people of Tarangnan will receive the quality, accessible and affordable health care services that they truly deserve,” Tan added.

Tarangnan is a fourth-class town in Samar province with a population of 25,713. The town has one hospital –the Tarangnan Community Hospital.

Other towns in Eastern Visayas that received sea ambulances earlier are Bato in Leyte province; and the towns of Biri, Capul, San Antonio, and San Vicente in Northern Samar province. (PNA)