The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has turned over five ultra-portable, AI-powered X-ray machines to the Philippine Navy, marking the first deployment of such technology within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The turnover ceremony was led by PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles and Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who highlighted the donation as a significant boost to the Navy’s medical capabilities at sea.
Each unit weighs only 2.4 kilograms and runs on batteries, making them suitable for use aboard naval vessels and in remote outposts where traditional X-ray machines—dependent on fixed power sources and hospital infrastructure—are not feasible.
The devices feature built-in artificial intelligence that generates immediate diagnostic leads, enabling medical personnel to make faster decisions during emergencies.
Unlike conventional systems, they can operate without a stable power supply, ensuring uninterrupted medical readiness in isolated maritime areas.
The Navy said the equipment will allow onboard diagnosis of injuries and illnesses, including tuberculosis, reducing the need for risky medical evacuations from ships to land-based facilities.
Ezpeleta welcomed the donation, noting its importance for disaster response and combat casualty care, particularly during maritime operations and humanitarian missions.
The acquisition was funded through PCSO’s Medical Equipment Donation Program (MEDP), supported by revenues from its gaming operations.
“At PCSO, every peso has a purpose. We are prioritizing partnerships that save lives in remote areas. This is the first of its kind in the entire AFP, and it ensures our sailors and marines have top-tier diagnostics even in the middle of the ocean,” Robles said.
He added that the initiative reflects PCSO’s commitment to assisting frontline institutions operating in challenging environments, especially those serving communities far from established medical facilities.