To honor the hard works and sacrifices of migrant workers, the Department of Labor (DOLE) announced on Saturday, April 30, that the country’s first hospital dedicated for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) will start its initial operation at Barangay Sindalan in San Fernando City, Pampanga, today, May 2, 2022.
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Yesterday, May 1, around 4pm, President Rodrigo Duterte personally visit the OFW Hospital to lead the inspection of its component and equipment to ensure safe and excellent services to OFWs and their legal dependents.
To recap, the OFW Hospital begin its construction year 2020 which is located in a 1.5 hectares land donated by the Provincial Government of Pampanga.
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According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the government didn’t expense any amount in the establishment of the OFW Hospital because the P60M funds were pledged by a prominent businessman in the Philippines.
Further, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) contributed a P200M funds for modern medical equipment.
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Migrant workers who are registered with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including their legitimate dependent ages 21 and below can avail the medical care and health services of the hospital’s polyclinic without any charge.
If the OFW is abroad and the dependent acquired an illness, the dependent can still go to OFW Hospital because the hospital keeps a record of OFW’s legitimate dependents.
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The eight-storey hospital can accommodate up to a hundred patients and will be open everyday.
Upon entering the polyclinic’s premise, you’ll see the OWWA desk and triage area. There’s a consultation area as well for different types of patients. Several hospital beds with high-tech equipment are also available to attend the needs of patients who will be brought to the hospital.
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The OFW Hospital will be fully operational on June.
Source: GMA News