DOH: Procurement of ‘complete package’ ambulances transparent

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday justified the procurement of allegedly overpriced ambulances that were distributed in Calabarzon.

In an online briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department had procured Type 1 ambulances, which contain medical equipment and instruments such as automated external defibrillator (AED), portable suction machine, and oxygen cylinder.

The procurement cost also covered training for ambulance drivers and healthcare workers.

“This is a complete package of what was stated in the specifications. The price that we got is the lowest calculated bid. It went through our bids and awards committee,” Vergeire said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“We are very transparent in this process. Our documents are posted on the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and these ambulances are now being used by the different implementing units.”

Vergeire issued the statement after Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday claimed that each ambulance was overpriced by at least P1 million.

The senator cited DOH documents showing that the department spent P2.5 million for each ambulance, including an AED.

Without the AED, which costs around P300,000, the ambulance must only be worth around P1.27 million, he said, citing the procurement of some local government units.

Lacson vowed to raise the issue of the allegedly overpriced ambulances in the next Senate hearing on the DOH’s COVID-19 expenses on September 7.—AOL, GMA News