Army upgrades health service capability

The Army Health Service Support Capability Enhancement aims to ensure the survivability of the troops and further address the issues on health services being provided to the personnel, from point of injury to definitive care. (Photo courtesy: Philippine Army Public Affairs Office via PNA)

MANILA — The Philippine Army (PA) has started to enhance the capability of its health service to improve the chance of recovery of troops wounded in battle.

In a statement Wednesday, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said a workshop was held at the Ricarte Hall, PA Officer’s Club, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to lay the groundwork for the improvement of its health service support units.

Participants from the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon, Office of the Army Chief Nurse and the Philippine Army Dental Service, including its subordinate units all over the country have actively participated.

Villanueva said the activity was capped by product presentation and demonstration provided by recognized leading healthcare companies, for the acquisition of mission essential equipment and construction of necessary health facilities.

“Through this workshop, our participants who are mostly the end users are kept abreast of the latest innovations and technology in the health services from companies based in United States, Germany, Israel and Singapore which also serves as the benchmark for the our capability upgrade,” Army Chief Surgeon Col. Felix T. Terencio said.

The Army Health Service Support Capability Enhancement aims to ensure the survivability of the troops and further address the issues on health services being provided to the personnel, from point of injury to definitive care.

This is anchored on the Army Transformation Roadmap’s vision to make the Army world-class by 2028 and the lessons from the five-month long Marawi siege.

The program covers the enhancement of the Military Treatment Facilities trauma or Mascal System with Surge and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRNE) Capability, combat application tourniquet for all combat soldiers, CMET — Medical Simulation Center Capability for combat forces, and the Casualty Tracking and Surveillance System.

There are also specifics projects for the upgrading of Mindanao-based Army hospitals, enhancement and upgrading of Military Treatment Facilities, enhancement of Health Service Support Training capability, Hospital Management Information System, Air Evacuation capability, Health Service Support Facilities, Role 1 and 2 capability, and Veterinary Services and Preventive Medicine.

By the end of the projects, it is expected that the Army health service will also meet the Green Military Hospital standard that connotes facilities that use less water, optimize energy efficiency, conserve natural resources, generate less waste and provide healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building.

Another major project is the construction of the PA Health Service Command Headquarters, which will pave the way for the attainment of overall organizational health service support effectiveness and efficiency.