Maguindanao health units get medical equipment

• Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073233
• Tuesday, June 25, 2019 2:22 pm

By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- To capacitate local government units in conflict and natural calamity affected towns in Maguindanao, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) donated medical equipment to 15 rural health units in the area.

The beneficiaries of the medical facilities assistance are the towns within the so-called “SPMS Box” or the Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak zone.

The equipment turned over Monday to the Datu Hofer local government was funded under the BARMM Humanitarian Development Assistance Program (HDAP).

Fifteen rural health units inside the so-called ‘SPMS Box’ received medical equipment that included automatic emergency room lights, tabletop steam sterilizer, otoscope penlight, and maternal care equipment.

"With the current policy directive of the Interim Chief Minister to observe and implement the principle of moral governance in the entire bureaucracy of the BARMM, we can make a difference and improve our service delivery," Mohajirin Ali, Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) executive director, said during the ceremony.

Also in attendance during the turnover rites were representatives from the Ministry of Health, Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office, RPDO personnel as well as police and military officials.

The SPMS Box is often the area of conflict involving government forces and Moro rebels who have been harassing civilians during harvest season.

With the rural health units equipped with facilities, health officials are hopeful that the health needs of residents are attended to on time.