Albay, transport and health sectors ink partnership for health care

The Albay local government led the recent signing of a health care agreement with representatives from several transport groups, health service providers, and health offices in the municipal and provincial levels as part of Albay's continuing efforts in advancing and sustaining health programs here.

The initiative is under the program Salud Express, where there will be priority lanes in a transport and traffic system for the easy and safe transport of patients especially during emergency situations.

Salud is the Bicol and Spanish word for health.

Board member Herbert Borja, chairman of the Committee on Health Sanggunian Panlalawigan, said the program aims to address the medical needs of residents of Albay particularly the complications related to pregnancy and delivery which may result in death.

"It's Salud (health express) po. There will be a coordination with the transport sectors (tricycle, jeep, bus, boat, etc) and the health team from a barangay where a pregnant mother is scheduled to give birth or any resident needing medical attention is rushed to the medical facility.

This aims to support and sustain the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 which aims to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health by 2015.

"No mother should die giving birth for Albay's achievement/sustainment of MDG 4 & 5; and in pursuit of our governor's goal - zero casualty," Borja added. - PIA — ARA