NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Honasan Calls For Military Hospital Ships To Boost Disaster Response In The Philippines
Photo credit: Senate PH
Former Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan has an idea that could change the game for the Philippines' disaster response capabilities: military hospital ships. As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (AFPMP), Honasan is advocating for the inclusion of these versatile vessels to aid not just in wartime but also in peacetime disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
Honasan, who once chaired the Senate committee on national defense, emphasized the practicality of this investment for an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, which is highly susceptible to natural disasters. “Military hospital ships would be a wise and practical investment,” he said in a statement.
These hospital ships, managed and operated by the military, would significantly enhance the country's disaster readiness. Honasan envisions them being capable of swift mobilization and coastal operations, with the ability to receive patients both by air and water.
Looking at global trends, Honasan noted that other countries are designing military hospital ships equipped with 60 beds, 18 ICU beds, operating suites, a blood bank, and a medical team of 100 personnel. He proposed an initial fleet of three ships, strategically based in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, to provide immediate mobile emergency medical services when needed.
The AFPMP, revised and enacted by Congress in 2012, aims to bolster the capabilities of the navy, air force, and army. In recent years, Congress has allocated P121 billion to support various military modernization projects, including warships, fighter aircraft, helicopter gunships, air surveillance radars, and anti-ship supersonic cruise missiles.
Given the Philippines' high ranking on the World Risk Index (WRI) as the most disaster-prone country, Honasan's proposal seems timely and critical. The WRI ranks 193 countries based on their potential exposure to natural disasters, and the Philippines tops the list due to its location in the western Pacific Ocean's typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire.
By incorporating military hospital ships into the AFPMP, the Philippines could be better prepared to handle the severe weather events and natural disasters that frequently strike the nation. This initiative could not only save lives but also ensure quicker and more efficient medical response during crises.
Honasan, who once chaired the Senate committee on national defense, emphasized the practicality of this investment for an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, which is highly susceptible to natural disasters. “Military hospital ships would be a wise and practical investment,” he said in a statement.
These hospital ships, managed and operated by the military, would significantly enhance the country's disaster readiness. Honasan envisions them being capable of swift mobilization and coastal operations, with the ability to receive patients both by air and water.
Looking at global trends, Honasan noted that other countries are designing military hospital ships equipped with 60 beds, 18 ICU beds, operating suites, a blood bank, and a medical team of 100 personnel. He proposed an initial fleet of three ships, strategically based in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, to provide immediate mobile emergency medical services when needed.
The AFPMP, revised and enacted by Congress in 2012, aims to bolster the capabilities of the navy, air force, and army. In recent years, Congress has allocated P121 billion to support various military modernization projects, including warships, fighter aircraft, helicopter gunships, air surveillance radars, and anti-ship supersonic cruise missiles.
Given the Philippines' high ranking on the World Risk Index (WRI) as the most disaster-prone country, Honasan's proposal seems timely and critical. The WRI ranks 193 countries based on their potential exposure to natural disasters, and the Philippines tops the list due to its location in the western Pacific Ocean's typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire.
By incorporating military hospital ships into the AFPMP, the Philippines could be better prepared to handle the severe weather events and natural disasters that frequently strike the nation. This initiative could not only save lives but also ensure quicker and more efficient medical response during crises.
Jul 15, 2024
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