Senator Christopher Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, has called for the institutionalization of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga. His proposal aims to enhance healthcare facilities for more than 10 million OFWs and their families, whom he regards as the country’s “modern-day heroes”.
Go, referencing the recent establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), stated, “We have worked diligently for the establishment of a single department for OFWs. The OFW Hospital is a testament to that commitment.” The facility in Pampanga, which began its services in May 2022, is a donation from the provincial government and has a capacity of 100 beds across its six floors.
To fortify his commitment to OFWs, Go has introduced Senate Bill No. 2297, aiming to ensure the OFW Hospital’s enduring operations. The legislation seeks to allocate funds for the hospital’s sustenance and ameliorate its services.
In parallel, Go supports the notion of having dedicated OFW wings in regional hospitals. Senate Bill No. 2414, also introduced by Go, proposes the creation of such wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals. A directive from President Ferdinand Marcos has already set the wheels in motion, calling for discussions between DMW and DOH to explore this initiative’s nationwide application.
Senator Go played a pivotal role in passing Republic Act No. 11641, which led to the creation of DMW. This agency is responsible for upholding the interests of OFWs, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their effective reintegration upon return.
To further assist OFWs, a collaboration between DMW and DOH will provide 24/7 telehealth services for these workers and their kin.