THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the issuance of authority to purchase motor vehicles (APMV) amounting to P387 million to the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement yesterday, the DBM said the approval of the APMV permits the procurement of 141 units of motor vehicles including land and sea ambulances, as well as passenger vans for patient transport.
The acquisition is part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), aimed at addressing gaps in healthcare delivery and making facilities and services more accessible.
“Improving the responsiveness of our healthcare system is crucial to ensuring timely and effective medical care for everyone, particularly in underserved and geographically isolated areas,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
Special Provision No. 6 of the DOH budget for 2024 states that funds from the HFEP should be used to build, upgrade or expand government health facilities and to buy hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles for these facilities.
According to Budget Circular No. 2022-1, an APMV from the DBM is required if there are specific funds set aside for buying motor vehicles without prior approval, such as new items under the General Appropriations Act or for local government units.
Additionally, an APMV is needed if the vehicle purchase differs from the original approval details, such as changes in type, quantity, intended use, user or specifications.
