Israel sponsors hospital-in-a-bike project

MANILA – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation or MASHAV and the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines have co-sponsored the “Hospital-in-a-Bike” Project of Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc.

The project aims to save lives or prevent further injuries by giving urgent medical attention and intervention to remote areas across the Philippines.

The PHP500,000 grant will be allocated for a basic Trauma Kit that will include medical supplies and equipment such as nasal tracheostomy tube, surgical tools, and portable oxygen. Specialized communications equipment will also be included.

“Part of the embassy and MASHAV’s vision is to share with the Philippines the know-how technologies which provided the basis for Israel’s own rapid development,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in a statement on Friday.

“The embassy gives importance to reaching out to remote communities and supporting them with innovative but simple approach to deal with their needs such as responding to medical emergencies,” he added.

A total of 100 cycle responders will benefit from the said project: 25 Tausug Heroes based in Sulu Province, 25 cycle responders based in Luzon, 25 cycle responders based in Visayas, and 25 cycle responders based in Mindanao.

“We hope that more communities, especially the far-flung areas, will benefit from this project in the future,” Fluss said.

Fluss and Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam personally turned over the grant to Dr. Victor Gisbert, President of MakatiMed Foundation and MASHAV alumna, and Executive Director of MakatMed Foundation Mary Margaret M. Barro.

Present virtually was the board of trustees of Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc. chaired by Manny Pangilinan. (PR)