Senator Bong Go filed Senate Bill No. 2297 or the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital bill to institutionalize and provide sufficient resources to sustain the operations of the health facility initiated by the Duterte administration in recognition of the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
According to Go, the construction and establishment of the OFW Hospital is not only a dream come true but a fulfilled promise that serves as a testament on how much former President Rodrigo Duterte values the sacrifices and contributions of our beloved OFWs.
Hence, support for the operations of the facility must also be provided even after the former president’s term.
“Ang pangarap natin magkaroon ng isang OFW hospital, naisakatuparan din. Hindi na po panaginip. Ngayon po, mayroon na rin po tayong Malasakit Center sa inyong OFW Hospital,” the legislator said.
“Kaya nai-file ko ang panukalang ito dahil kailangan nating ipagpatuloy ang suporta sa mga magagandang programa na nasimulan noon. Sikapin nating palakasin pa lalo ang mga inisyatibong nakakatulong sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan, kasama na diyan ang mga OFWs na itinuturing nating mga bagong bayani,” the lawmaker stressed.
The bill, which was filed on July 12, aims to enhance the medical access and welfare of OFWs and their families through the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and Diagnostic Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
This proposed measure seeks to prioritize the healthcare needs of these modern-day heroes, providing them with sufficient medical services and support.
The senator’s proposed bill aims to institutionalize an OFW Hospital, ensuring that it becomes a permanent institution that will be funded by the government and dedicated to the specific medical needs of OFWs and their families.
“The bill aims to create a specialized healthcare facility that caters specifically to their needs.”
Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said that by recognizing the challenges faced by OFWs and their vulnerability to health risks, the bill aims to create a specialized healthcare facility that caters specifically to their needs.
“Overseas Filipino Workers are hailed as modern-day heroes not only for their remittances that contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, but also for their sacrifice of having to leave their families behind just to uplift the quality of lives of their loved ones. Some find their fortune abroad, while some experiences are harsher than others,” he said.
“In order to harmonize policies and functions of different agencies, and ensure sufficient funding for the hospital, this proposed measure institutionalizes the OFW Hospital under the administrative supervision of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW),” Go said.
One of the key provisions of SBN 2297 is the appropriation of funds necessary for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the OFW Hospital. This financial allocation underscores the government’s commitment to prioritize the healthcare needs of OFWs and their families, he cited.
The provincial government of Pampanga has generously donated a 1.5-hectare hospital that started its operations in May 2022. This six-story facility can accommodate 100 beds and is primarily dedicated to serving OFWs and their eligible dependents.
In addition to providing medical care, the hospital will also undertake research initiatives focusing on the prevention, care, and treatment of occupational diseases commonly experienced by OFWs.
Furthermore, the facility will offer specialized training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering occupational health services specifically tailored for OFWs.
“In coordination with the DOH, the OFW Hospital will provide 24/7 telehealth services to migrant workers and their families. This service can be extended at the Philippine foreign post to assist in the medical assessment and management of distressed OFWs while awaiting repatriation. This bill will also strengthen health surveillance through the provision of a post-employment or post-arrival medical examination for OFWs,” Go explained.
Last November, he personally led the launch of the 153rd Malasakit Center inside the OFW Hospital.
“The OFW Hospital will provide 24/7 telehealth services to migrant workers and their families.”
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop designed to help poor and indigent patients with their medical-related expenses by putting all together concerned agencies that offer medical assistance programs, such as Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Recognizing the importance of providing proper support and protection to all Filipino migrant workers, including seafarers, he was instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the DMW.
The Senate version of the Act, Senate Bill No. 2234, was authored and co-sponsored by Go.
DMW serves as the lead agency for implementing policies, plans and programs that will ensure the protection, promotion of interests, timely resolution of problems, and effective reintegration of OFWs.
