MANILA – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation or MASHAV and the Israeli embassy in Manila Philippines have co-sponsored the “Hospital-in-a-Bike” Project of the Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc.
The unique project aims to save lives or prevent further injuries by giving urgent medical attention and intervention to remote areas across the Philippines.
Israel has provided a P500,000 grant for the project that will be allocated for basic Trauma Kits that 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.
“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, 25 cycle responders based in Luzon, 25 cycle responders based in Visayas, and 25 cycle responders based in Mindanao.
“We hope more communities, especially in 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.
Virtually present during the turnover rites were the members of Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc. Board of Trustees chaired by Manny Pangilinan.