Capitol reviewing fees for ambulances

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol is reviewing the policy on charges for ambulances in district hospitals in the province.

This is because some municipalities provide free use of their ambulances while some district hospitals collect fees from patients who need to use the ambulance.

 Governor Hilario Davide III said he has already ordered Board Member Peter John Calderon, head of the Provincial Board’s committee on health, to review the ordinance providing for the payment of ambulances.

 “We are also looking for ways on how kining mga maintenance sa mga ambulan-ces ug fuel ini unsaon pag-manage niini whether ang district hospital ba,” Davide said.

 At present, Capitol provides for funds for maintenance and fuel for ambulances of district hospitals.

 “Ato na’ng gitan-aw na’ng aspetoha aron pud dili bug-at sa kadtong mga constituents nato who can afford actually nga mobayad ani’ng mga fees,” Davide said.

 Daanbantayan town, for one, has requested the review of the policy on payment of ambulances of district hospitals amounting to P2,500. The town under the leadership of Mayor Augusto Corro is now providing free use of its ambulance in bringing patients from the town to hospitals in Bogo City and Cebu City.

Last year, the town Council passed and approved an ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. mandating the free use of government-owned ambulances.

 Arrabis said the municipality has two ambulances on standby 24 hours, seven days a week at the Rural Health Unit with drivers on shifting duties.

 This year, P1 million has been included in the regular budget for the operation and maintenance of ambulances.  (FREEMAN)