OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) are widely recognized and respected individuals globally due to their exceptional professional skills and abilities. They are known for their unwavering commitment to their chosen fields of work, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Furthermore, OFWs are regarded as modern-day heroes for their valuable contributions to the socio-economic development of the Philippines. Discover the OFW Hospital: A Comprehensive Guide to Services and Benefits However, it is important to acknowledge that OFWs face significant risks by working abroad, putting their lives on the line in order to provide a better life for their families.
In line with recognizing the contributions of OFWs, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has expedited the establishment of the OFW Hospital. This hospital is specifically built to honor and commend the efforts of OFWs. Through the OFW Hospital, both OFWs and their dependents can avail themselves of free medical services when they fall ill or sustain injuries. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare support to OFWs and their families.
If you are curious about the services and programs offered by the OFW Hospital, read further to discover more details.
What is the OFW Hospital?
The OFW Hospital, which is located in San Fernando, Pampanga, is a unique medical facility that aims to provide free medical care and health services specifically for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their legal dependents. The facility, consisting of seven stories, occupies a 1.5-hectare land that was granted by the Provincial Government of Pampanga.
To expedite the construction of the OFW Hospital, Executive Order No. 154 was issued by the palace on December 7, 2021. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte personally inspected the facility on May 1, 2022, and officially launched it on May 2, 2022. Initially, the hospital served as a polyclinic, offering standard treatment and outpatient services. However, it was expected to transition to full operational capacity by the end of June 2022, as stated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Once fully operational, the OFW Hospital will be equipped with the latest medical tools and equipment, including Dialysis Equipment, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan machines, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. The provision of these advanced medical technologies was confirmed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
The facility also includes an Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Malasakit Center desk, which ensures that OFWs receive adequate assistance and support. The project was made possible through the collaboration of various organizations, including DOLE, the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, which provided P500 million for the construction of the facility, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), which contributed P200 million for the acquisition of hospital equipment.
In order to ensure the provision of excellent healthcare services, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and DOLE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement outlines the involvement of PGH in training the administrative and clinical personnel of the OFW Hospital, assisting in hospital equipment planning and procurement, and devising process flows for both clinical and fiscal aspects.
Currently, the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, has a capacity of 100 beds. However, the government has plans to construct additional OFW Hospitals in various regions in the future, aiming to extend its services and support to OFWs across the country.
Qualifications
With the unwavering support and concern of President Duterte, the establishment of the OFW Hospital has provided a significant avenue for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents to access crucial medical services. To ensure fair distribution and efficient utilization of resources, certain eligibility requirements have been put in place. To access the benefits provided by the OFW Hospital, an individual should meet the following criteria:
- Status as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW): The individual must be a certified OFW, meaning they have worked or are currently working abroad under a valid employment contract.
- Active membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): The individual must be an active member of OWWA, a government agency responsible for protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs and their dependents.
- Compliance with OWWA contributions: The individual should have consistently paid their OWWA membership contributions as required by the agency. Regular contributions help sustain the programs and services provided to OFWs.
- Valid OWWA membership at the time of medical service: The individual should have an active OWWA membership at the time of seeking medical services at the OFW Hospital. It is important to maintain a valid membership to be eligible for the benefits.
These eligibility requirements aim to ensure that the OFW Hospital’s resources are primarily allocated to those who genuinely need the services and have actively contributed to the welfare of OFWs. By meeting these criteria, OFWs and their dependents can access the much-needed medical support and care provided by the OFW Hospital, thus promoting their overall well-being and health.
Eligible OFW
- Current OFWs
- Former OFWs (for good not exceeding 3 years since last active OWWA membership contribution)
- Land-based
- Sea-based
- Regardless of Status (OWWA active/inactive, undocumented workers)
- Regardless of age
Eligible Dependents of OFW
- Legal Spouse (with Marriage Certificate)
- Minor/ Incapacitated child
- Parents of OFWs rely on their support
- Minor sibling of unmarried OFWs (below 18 years old)
Benefits to OFWs and Beneficiaries
The statement highlights the advantages of the OFW Hospital, a government-owned facility that offers free medical services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents, particularly those who are members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The primary objective of the hospital is to provide OFWs with access to standard healthcare services and comprehensive medical care, encompassing preventive measures and treatment options.
By offering free medical services, the OFW Hospital aims to promote the overall well-being of OFWs and ensure their physical fitness while working abroad. This provision of quality healthcare helps prevent illness and injuries that could potentially disrupt work schedules, incur expenses for hospitalization, and lead to days off from work due to poor health conditions. Consequently, the OFW Hospital plays a crucial role in enabling OFWs to work efficiently and effectively, minimizing the negative impact of health-related issues on their employment.
In summary, the establishment of the OFW Hospital is beneficial for OFWs as it ensures their physical fitness and well-being, allowing them to carry out their jobs abroad without falling ill or getting injured. This, in turn, contributes to their productivity, minimizes work disruptions, and saves employers from incurring expenses related to healthcare and absenteeism caused by poor health conditions.
Programs and Services
“For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), maintaining good health and well-being while working abroad is crucial. The establishment of the OFW Hospital now ensures that OFWs have access to medical programs and services that are beneficial when they are ill or injured.
The following services are available for free at the OFW Hospital:
- Consultation: OFWs can receive medical consultations without any cost.
- Medication: The hospital provides necessary medications to OFWs free of charge.
- Dental Service: OFWs have access to dental services for their oral health needs.
- Dental Extraction: The hospital offers dental extraction procedures.
- Dental Implant: OFWs can receive dental implant services.
- Medical consultation: OFWs can seek consultations with medical professionals at no cost.
- Medical Service: The hospital provides medical services to address the health needs of OFWs.
- Laboratory tests: OFWs can undergo laboratory tests without any charge.
- Ultrasound: The hospital offers ultrasound services for diagnostic purposes.
- X-ray: OFWs can avail themselves of X-ray services for medical imaging.
Furthermore, the OFW Hospital provides a wide range of additional services and programs to support OFWs in their daily lives. This includes free consultation on various health programs and insurance plans. The facility also offers coverage for pregnancy and pre-existing illnesses.
However, it’s important to note that the OFW Hospital currently focuses on providing outpatient consultation, diagnostic, and laboratory services. According to their official Facebook page, services related to surgeries, operations, pregnancy, RT-PCR tests, and pre-employment laboratory tests are not available in the outpatient department (OPD) at the moment. OFWs are advised to stay updated with announcements from the OFW Hospital regarding additional medical services that will soon be offered.”
Booking an Online Appointment for OFW Hospital
Considering the current situation, it appears that the OFW Hospital, located in San Fernando, Pampanga, requires eligible individuals to book an online appointment in order to access its programs and services. This measure is likely in place to manage the increasing volume of individuals seeking appointments at the hospital.
It’s important to note that the OFW Hospital will not accommodate walk-in patients if the number of booked online appointments reaches the maximum capacity of patients for that particular day. This policy is likely implemented to ensure that the hospital can effectively handle the influx of patients and provide quality care to those who have secured appointments.
To access the facility programs and services at the OFW Hospital, eligible individuals should make an online appointment in advance to secure their spot and avoid any inconvenience caused by exceeding the hospital’s capacity. It’s recommended to check the hospital’s official website or contact their administration directly for specific instructions on how to book an appointment and any other relevant details.
website to book an OFW Hospital appointment
To ensure a smooth visit to the OFW Hospital, it is advisable to book an online appointment in advance. The hospital has a daily capacity of accommodating only 30 patients from Monday to Friday, operating from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
To book an online appointment at the OFW Hospital, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the OFW Hospital.
- Look for the upper tab that indicates “Click Here to Set an Appointment.”
- Click on the tab to proceed with setting up your appointment.
- Alternatively, you can also visit the OFW Hospital’s Facebook page.
- Look for the provided link for the online appointment or click the “Book Now” button.
- Clicking on the link or button will take you to the appointment booking page.
- Follow the instructions and provide the required information to complete the booking process.
If you encounter any issues or difficulties with the online appointment booking link, it is recommended to contact the OFW Hospital directly. They will provide you with further details and assistance regarding the appointment booking process.
By booking an appointment in advance, you can secure your spot at the OFW Hospital and ensure that you receive timely and efficient medical care.
Accessing OFW Hospital Programs and Services
“While the OFW Hospital has announced that they allow walk-ins of up to 15 patients daily between 12 noon and 3 pm, it is advisable to book an appointment online to secure a slot on the day of your visit, especially if you are coming from outside Pampanga.
If you have made an online appointment for the same day you plan to visit, remember to bring a valid ID, such as a passport, and the official payment receipt for OWWA membership to access the programs and services provided by the OFW Hospital. Dependents of OFWs should also carry supporting documents such as a marriage contract for spouses and birth certificates for children, siblings, and parents to verify their relationship.”
Photos: Inspection of the OFW Hospital by President Duterte
Here are some pictures of the OFW Hospital when President Duterte came by for an inspection visit to check out the facility in Pampanga:
