FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila– The Philippine Army started to lay the groundwork for its Health Service capability enhancement through a workshop held at the Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Officer’s Club House last July 23, 2018.
As part of the AFP modernization, President Rodrigo R. Duterte allocated 700 Million Pesos for Health Services with a large portion intended for the Philippine Army Health Service capability upgrade. Apparently, he also issued a presidential Directive allocating 5 Billion Pesos for the refurbishment of Army’s Health Service facilities and procurement of additional equipment.
During the workshop, participants from the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon, Office of the Army Chief Nurse and the Philippine Army Dental Service, including its subordinate units all over the country actively participated. The activity was also capped by product presentation and demonstration provided by recognized leading healthcare companies for the acquisition of mission essential equipment and construction of necessary health facilities.
“Through this workshop, our participants who are mostly the end users are kept abreast of the latest innovations and technology in the health services from companies based in United States, Germany, Israel and Singapore which also serves as the benchmark for the our capability upgrade,” said Col.Felix T. Terencio, Army Chief Surgeon.
Anchored on the Army Transformation Roadmap’s vision to make the Army world-class by 2028 and drawing lessons from the Marawi Siege, the Army Health Service Support Capability Enhancement aims to ensure the survivability of the troops and further address the issues on Health Services being provided to the personnel, from point of injury to definitive care.
The program covers the enhancement of the Military Treatment Facilities trauma or Mascal System with Surge and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRNE) Capability, combat application tourniquet for all combat soldiers, CMET – Medical Simulation Center Capability for combat forces, and the Casualty Tracking and Surveillance System.
There are also specifics projects for the upgrading of Mindanao-based Army Hospitals, enhancement and upgrading of Military Treatment Facilities, enhancement of Health Service Support Training capability, Hospital Management Information System, Air Evacuation capability, Health Service Support Facilities, Role 1 and 2 capability, and Veterinary Services and Preventive Medicine.
By the end of the projects, it is expected that the Army Health Service will also meet the Green Military Hospital standard that connotes facilities that uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building.
Another major project is the construction of the PA Health Service Command Headquarters which will pave way for the attainment of overall organizational health service support effectiveness and efficiency.
As part of the Commanding General’s guidance to give top priority on the welfare of troops, including the health service, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista is fully supportive to the initiative and encouraged the proponent and other concerned offices to work closely for the immediate realization of the program.#