COTABATO CITY (March 13) — In a significant boost to regional health services, the United States Embassy in the Philippines has donated PHP9.6 million (USD 167,000) worth of biomedical, laboratory, and oxygenrelated equipment to the Ministry of Health–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOHBARMM), officials said Wednesday.
The turnover ceremony was held at the MOH regional office here, where Zul Qarneyn Abas accepted the equipment on behalf of Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding Jr..
Abas expressed deep gratitude for the “lifesaving resources” that will be distributed to nine public hospitals across the region to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to health threats — a pressing need in a region still working to expand basic healthcare access.
BARMM’s health system has been steadily improving, with recent efforts to enhance services in rural communities through new ambulances, mobile clinics, and expanded health facility networks.
However, the region continues to face gaps in infrastructure and service delivery due to decades of underinvestment and geographic isolation in many towns and villages.
MOHBARMM has launched programs to extend medical assistance to residents inside and outside the region and is working to implement Universal Health Care strategies that aim to make care more affordable and inclusive.
“These lifesaving resources are to be delivered to nine public hospitals serving communities across the region to strengthen the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats, ensuring that critical services reach those who need them most,” Abas said.
The donation supports BARMM’s broader efforts to improve health outcomes for its population, including recent achievements such as reaching a 90 percent immunization coverage in a regional measlesrubella campaign with the help of partners like the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Officials said the assistance will not only enhance clinical care but also help ensure more resilient and responsive health services — especially critical for a region where geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas have traditionally struggled to access adequate medical care.
The partnership underscores the growing collaboration between the Bangsamoro government and international partners in addressing persistent health challenges and building a more equitable health system for all communities across the region.
