MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will soon receive free annual medical check-ups through a government initiative aimed at safeguarding their health and well-being while employed abroad, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Thursday.
The pledge came from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry led by Senator Raffy Tulfo, who raised concerns about irregularities in pre-employment medical examinations and alleged abusive practices by some clinics. The initiative will be funded through the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, a financial support mechanism designed to provide urgent assistance to OFWs in need.
“Yes, Mr. Chair, we will do that through the AKSYON Fund, because we can fund the follow-through medical check-ups of our OFWs to ensure their health and well-being while abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac said.
The AKSYON Fund, officially known as Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Immediate Care and Assistance for OFWs in Need), will cover routine health monitoring during workers’ deployment and prior to their repatriation. The move aims to ensure consistent health oversight for the millions of Filipinos working overseas, many in sectors like maritime, construction, and domestic services.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate inquiry, urged the DMW to formalize the initiative through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH) to enhance oversight of medical clinics conducting OFW health clearances. He emphasized that clinics must coordinate with and secure approval from the DOH to prevent malpractices.
The senator also spotlighted issues with SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic authorized to perform pre-employment medical examinations for seafarers and overseas contract workers. Tulfo alleged that SMSI charges OFWs between 1,200 and 1,300 pesos ($20-$22) for initial and confirmatory tests without clear justification, prompting concerns about transparency.
In response, Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) manage the pre-employment medical process, but the DMW holds authority to investigate and sanction agencies involved in malpractices. He committed to pursuing an MOA with the DOH and engaging the Human Resource for Health Network (HRHN) and private sector stakeholders to address health-related concerns comprehensively.
Cacdac also noted that while shipowners adhere to strict international medical standards, any excessive or unjustified testing would be scrutinized. “We will ensure that the health of our OFWs is prioritized and that any irregularities are addressed swiftly,” he said.
The initiative reflects the Philippine government’s broader efforts to protect its overseas workforce, a key economic driver contributing billions in remittances annually. As the DMW moves to implement the free check-up program, advocates hope it will set a precedent for stronger health protections for OFWs worldwide.
