4.6. We inquired with the OIC - Municipal Health Officer about the Department of Health
License to Operate (DOH-LTO) for the four ambulances owned by the Municipality
and were informed that they do not possess the required DOH-LTO. Instead, the three
units acquired in calendar years 2019 and 2016 were registered as PTVs, while the
DOH registration for the new unit as a PTV became effective in January 2025.
4.7. Our interview with the personnel at the Municipal Health Office responsible for
vehicle licensing revealed that since CY 2016, they chose to register the vehicles as
PTVs instead of land ambulances due to the extensive requirements needed to obtain
the DOH-LTO, including the following:
4.7.1. Medical personnel’s training in the Standard First Aid (SFA) and Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT);
4.7.2. Drivers’ accreditation; and
4.7.3. Ventilation and airway equipment (e.g., suction apparatus), including the
medicines and supplies outlined in Annex C of DOH AO No. 2018-0001.
4.8. As a result, they are considering changing the vehicle's marking from “Ambulance”
to “Patient Transport Vehicle.”
4.9. We would like to highlight that securing the DOH-LTO for all ambulances ensures
that each ambulance meets the following essential standards:
4.9.1. Ambulance Body – has appropriate markings and provides sufficient space
for patients, required personnel, and equipment;
4.9.2. Personnel – staffed by a qualified and trained team to ensure the effective and
efficient delivery of quality ambulance services;
4.9.3. Equipment, Medicines, and Supplies - equipped with the necessary
equipment, medicines, and supplies, along with a contingency plan for
potential equipment breakdowns or malfunctions;
4.9.4. Service Delivery - ensures services provided meet the quality standards set in
the ambulance licensing assessment tool, including documented policies for
standard operating procedures (SOP); and
4.9.5. Information Management - includes a system for communication,
documentation, and reporting on patients' conditions, in accordance with the
Electronic Commerce Act (R.A. 8792) and the Data Privacy Act (R.A.
10173); and
4.9.6. Environmental Management- the ambulance is properly ventilated and
disinfected, and wastes, toxic, and hazardous substances are properly
disposed of.
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