Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to hold the 1st Migrant Workers Health Summit on Tuesday from June 30 to July 1 to promote preventive healthcare and improve access to medical services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay stated in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Monday that the summit would bring together government agencies, healthcare institutions, and private partners to address growing health concerns of OFWs. The event will feature a panel discussion to assess the health status of migrant workers and explore potential future health risks.
In addition to discussions, health experts will provide information on reducing the risks of diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, and cardiovascular diseases through early detection and healthier lifestyle choices. Rubia-Tutay emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of OFWs, whom she referred to as modern-day heroes.
The DMW has identified varying health concerns among OFWs based on their country of deployment. Cervical and breast cancer cases have been noted among Filipino workers in Hong Kong, while kidney-related illnesses are more prevalent among workers in the Middle East. In Italy, many OFWs experience declining health due to taking on multiple jobs and neglecting regular medical checkups despite having healthcare access. Additionally, emerging HIV/AIDS cases have been observed among migrant workers.
Beyond physical health, the DMW is expanding mental health support through psychosocial interventions in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Returning OFWs receive counseling as part of the agency's "Kumustahan" reintegration program, with similar support provided to overseas workers through online and community-based sessions.
Rubia-Tutay highlighted concerns about aftercare for OFW children left behind when their parents work abroad, a point of focus for Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Summit participants will also have access to services from partner agencies, including PhilHealth, Social Security System, Professional Regulation Commission, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, alongside free medical consultations, optical and dental services, and other wellness activities.
The DMW aims to make the health summit an annual event while expanding healthcare access through dedicated OFW wards in public hospitals under a forthcoming agreement with the Department of Health. Rubia-Tutay expressed the desire for OFWs to return to the Philippines healthy and to remain active contributors to local and national development, integrated happily into their families and communities.
The summit will take place at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
