Manila: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will soon benefit from free annual medical check-ups through the Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) AKSYON Fund, as part of a government initiative to ensure their health and well-being while working abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement was made by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry, following concerns raised by Senator Raffy Tulfo about irregularities in pre-employment medical examinations and alleged abuses by some clinics. Cacdac confirmed that the AKSYON Fund would support follow-through medical check-ups for OFWs to ensure their health both while abroad and before they return home.
The AKSYON Fund, or Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan, serves as a key financial support mechanism for OFWs requiring urgent assistance abroad. Cacdac further explained that routine health monitoring for OFWs during their deployment and prior to repatriation will also be covered under this directive.
Senator Tulfo called on the DMW to formalize the initiative through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH) to provide greater oversight and regulation of medical clinics conducting OFW health clearances. He emphasized that these clinics should have prior coordination with and obtain approval from the DOH.
Tulfo also highlighted issues with SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), which allegedly charges OFWs PHP1,200 to PHP1,300 for initial and repeated confirmatory tests without proper explanation. SMSI is authorized to perform pre-employment medical examinations and issue medical clearances to seafarers and overseas contract workers.
In response, Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies oversee the pre-employment medical process but noted that the DMW has the authority to investigate and impose sanctions against agencies found guilty of malpractice. He stated that they would pursue a MOA with DOH and collaborate with the Human Resource for Health Network (HRHN) and the private sector to address these health-related issues comprehensively.
Cacdac acknowledged that while shipowners adhere to strict international medical standards, any excessive or unjustified testing must be scrutinized.
