PH Navy gets portable x-ray machines from PCSO

Five modern and portable x-ray devices were turned over by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the Philippine Navy.

In a statement, the battery-operated, ultra-portable AI X-ray units were received by Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta from PCSO General Manager Mel Robles at the PN headquarters in Manila and marks a considerable upgrade in the Navy’s maritime medical capability. 

These units aren't just gadgets; they are lifesavers designed to go wherever the Navy goes—from remote outposts to the middle of the sea,” Robles said.

Weighing a mere 2.4 kilograms, these mobile units are designed for the front lines.

“They are specifically designed for use aboard sea-borne vessels during emergency situations, with built-in artificial intelligence that provides instant diagnostic leads, allowing for split-second medical decisions when every moment counts,” PCSO said.

The portable x-rays also do not rely on a fixed power source, ensuring medical readiness even in the most isolated maritime environments.

As the naval warfare arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Navy plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests while supporting national defense and humanitarian operations.

The new devices will allow the Navy to diagnose injuries or illnesses onboard its ships, reducing the need for risky medical evacuations.

Robles said the donation is funded through the Medical Equipment Donation Program (MEDP).

"At PCSO, every peso has a purpose. We are prioritizing partnerships that save lives in remote areas. This is the first of its kind in the entire AFP, and it ensures our sailors and marines have top-tier diagnostics even in the middle of the ocean," said Robles.

Ezpeleta said the donation is a critical upgrade to the Navy’s disaster response and combat casualty care. —RF, GMA Integrated News