76. We recommended that the LDRRMO strictly comply with Section 1, Rule 9 of the
IRR of R.A. No. 10121 by ensuring that all volunteers are properly accredited and
their names duly submitted to the OCD for inclusion in the official database of
ACDVs prior to the provision of any benefits, including insurance coverage.
77. The LDRRMO was not aware of the guidelines and apologized for the oversight. Further,
she assured the audit team that they will be fully complying with all the requirements of
the above-mentioned regulations.
Department of Health (DOH) – License to Operate for Ambulances
Due to the extensive requirements to secure a DOH-License to Operate land ambulances,
the seven vehicles owned by the City were operating as a Patient Transport Vehicle
instead of ambulances as marked on its body contrary to DOH Administrative Order
(AO) No. 2018-0001, dated January 28, 2018, thus, the assurance that the ambulances
operate with competent personnel and appropriate equipment to respond to medical
emergencies, provide quality care, and ensure patient safety may not be fully attained.
78. On January 28, 2018, the DOH issued AO No. 2018-0001 to promulgate rules and
regulations which outlines updated minimum standards and requirements for the
licensure of land ambulances and ambulance service providers to protect the public and
ensure the safety of both patients and personnel.
79. Item IV.10 of the above-mentioned AO defines a land ambulance as a vehicle designed
and equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS)
transporting patients to, from, and between places of treatment by land. Moreover, a
patient transport vehicle (PTV) is any form of land vehicle designed to transport patients
whose condition is non-life threatening as defined in Items IV.13 of the AO. PTVs are
not equipped with BLS or ALS.
80. Anent thereto, Item V.3 of the DOH AO expressly states:
“3. No land vehicle of any kind shall bear on its body the label or marking
of the word “AMBULANCE" unless it has been duly licensed and
categorized as a land ambulance by the Department of Health.”
81. As of December 31, 2024, the City operates seven ambulances for transporting patients
with medical emergencies or life-threatening conditions that require immediate care by
trained personnel or referral to hospitals. However, the acquisition cost of two units could
not be determined due to missing documentation. According to the Supply Officer in the
General Services Office, one of the vehicles was donated by PCSO while the documents
pertaining to the other vehicle is to be located still.
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