Overseas Filipino Workers deserve quality healthcare for all they do for the country. With this in mind, the Philippine government established the OFW Hospital in order to ensure that Filipino migrant workers are given the proper medical care they need. OFWs and their families can benefit from this project, especially those who can’t afford certain medical services such as surgery.
In 2022, the Department of Labor and Employment approved the construction of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga. It started operating in May as a polyclinic and proceed to full operations in June 2021. Former and current OFWs as well as their beneficiaries can avail of the medical services and programs implemented by the government through the OFW Hospital.
Note: The OFW Hospital is now under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
What is the OFW Hospital?
The Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and Diagnostic Center is a state-of-the-art medical facility located in San Fernando, Pampanga for the healthcare needs of OFWs. The OFW Hospital is designed to help with diagnostics and other medical examinations that Filipino migrant workers need to stay physically and mentally fit. It was built through the support of the government as well as the OFWs.
Moreover, the hospital has been built to serve as a referral healthcare facility for all Filipino citizens who need quality medical care. As of this writing, there are 100 beds available for OFWs and OWWA members who need comprehensive medical care. The main purpose of the OFW Hospital is to provide complete medical services to migrant workers and their families here in the Philippines.
Benefits of OFW Hospital Programs and Services
When it comes to the benefits that the OFW Hospital is intended to provide, OFWs can enjoy easy access to healthcare including their dependents who also need more convenient medical assistance. For OFWs who are at risk of injury or illness due to their line of work, they are most welcome to get medical aid through this specialized medical facility.
Aside from basic medical services, the OFW Hospital provides all-inclusive healthcare treatment with preventive and curative options. They also offer preventative measures including vaccination programs. Unlike other medical facilities in the Philippines, the OFW Hospital prioritizes the medical needs of Filipino migrant workers and their qualified dependents.
Qualifications for the OFW Hospital Services
Before you visit the OFW Hospital, it’s important to consider the qualifications as they prioritize OFWs and their beneficiaries To qualify for the medical services offered by the OFW Hospital, you must meet the following:
- Sea-based or land-based Overseas Filipino Workers
- Former or current OFWs
- Active or inactive OFWs with no OWWA records
- Any age
Another set of qualifications is for the eligible beneficiaries of Overseas Filipino Workers. For qualified dependents or beneficiaries, they must be:
- Legal spouse of an OFW
- Incapacitated or minor child of an OFW
- Parents of OFWs who depend on their support
- Minor sibling of unmarried OFWs
OFW Hospital Services and Programs
Needless to say, it’s important for OFWs to keep their body healthy. A regular check-up must be in place in order to prevent chronic illnesses. In case you are ill or injured, this medical facility will take care of you through its comprehensive programs and healthcare services. The OFW Hospital offers medical assistance including outpatient programs such as the following:
General Consultation
Through this medical service, doctors monitor the condition of the patient throughout the treatment process. They check the patient’s progress, improve movement, prevent health problems, treat disability or illness, and generally extend life in the best way possible. With general consultation, the doctor will address concerns, give expert advice, and listen to the patient in order to find the best treatment option. An average consultation takes up to 30 minutes to complete.
Diagnosis
Doctors in the OFW Hospital will figure out which condition or illness best explains the symptoms experienced by the patient. They will run a series of tests in order to pinpoint the main cause of the symptoms and other signs. Diagnosis includes imaging and laboratory tests among other procedures that are available in the medical facility.
Specialist Referral
After the diagnosis and a medical condition have been discovered that needs specialized care, the doctor will refer a specialist to attend to the needs of the patient. With specialized treatment, patients have higher chances of recovering from an illness. The hospital also provides many other healthcare services in order to ensure that OFWs get the exact medical help they need.
Under health insurance plans, OFWs and their eligible dependents can take advantage of the free consultation program. Other programs include pre-existing disease and pregnancy coverage. It’s important to note that you need to set an appointment for a consultation before visiting the hospital. Follow this link to book a consultation appointment:https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/.
How to Schedule an Appointment
OFWs who need immediate medical care can set an appointment in order to avail of the free general consultation at the OFW Hospital. Make sure to secure an appointment prior to your visit as they can only allow limited patients daily. Here are the steps for booking an appointment via the OFW Hospital website:
Step 1: Go to the OFW Hospital Appointment Scheduler by clicking on this link https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph to book an appointment.
Step 2: Select the site or program you need.
Step 3: Choose the appointment date that is convenient for you.
Step 4: Type in your personal information as required in the form.
Step 5: Confirm the date of the appointment and make sure you will show up on the said schedule.
Don’t forget to screenshot your confirmed appointment for future reference. Visit the hospital on your scheduled appointment, at the exact time and date. This is to ensure that you will be assisted with all your medical needs during your visit and get the professional medical assistance you need.
Video: OFW Hospital | Free for OFW and OFW Dependents
In this video, you will learn everything about the newly established OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga including its purpose, benefits, services, and programs for OFWs and their qualified dependents. It also shows how to avail of the medical services for free and why you should set an appointment before visiting this OFW medical facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
To know more about the OFW Hospital and its services, check out the following questions that are commonly asked and get the answers you need to know:
1. What is the purpose of the OFW Hospital?
The OFW Hospital has been established by the Philippine government in order to provide free medical care to Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries. It also offers other services including the issuance of medical certificates, laboratory tests, screening, and other medical requirements for OFWs before they are deployed to their job site.
2. What are the main services that are currently offered by the OFW Hospital?
The medical services available at the OFW Hospital include imaging and laboratory diagnosis, specialist referrals, and general consultation. They also provide free dental and medical care for OFWs, their dependents, and other qualified patients.
3. Are there free medical examinations or tests offered by the OFW Hospital?
Yes, there are free medical exams for Overseas Filipino Workers who need to obtain medical certificates as per requirements before deployment. This also includes specialized exams that are required by employers or sponsors for their pre- and post-employment health exams.
4. Can non-OFWs avail of the OFW Hospital services?
Yes, even non-OFWs can be admitted to the OFW Hospital as long as they were referred by an OFW or company that deploys migrant workers but aren’t considered OFWs. Healthcare services are also available to dependents or beneficiaries of Filipinos in the military or government offices abroad.
5. Do I need to schedule an appointment before visiting the OFW Hospital?
Yes, you need to schedule an appointment before visiting the OFW Hospital as per requirements. Note that only 30 individuals are accommodated at the hospital per day. To set an appointment online, log onto https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/.
6. Where is the OFW Hospital located and what are their working hours?
The OFW Hospital is located in San Fernando, Pampanga. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, except for Philippine holidays.
Summary
Now that you know about the purpose, services, programs, and some of the most frequently asked questions about the OFW Hospital, you are ready to set an appointment online. Remember that you need a confirmed appointment through their website before visiting because they only accommodate 30 people per day.
Moreover, it’s important that OFWs and their qualified dependents know about the free medical services offered by this hospital to help them afford healthcare, especially for those who don’t have enough budget for medical exams before deployment to other countries. With its state-of-the-art facilities, OFWs now have the opportunity to get the quality medical care they deserve.