A proposed measure in the House of Representatives seeks to formally establish a government-run hospital dedicated to overseas Filipino workers and their families, placing it under the supervision of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is advocating for the approval of House Bill No. 7227, also known as the OFW Hospital Act, which calls for the creation of a Level III medical facility in San Fernando, Pampanga. The planned hospital would operate under the direct authority of the DMW and primarily cater to migrant workers and their qualified dependents.
The measure outlines a broader mandate than standard hospital care. It envisions a comprehensive facility that can respond to the medical needs of Filipinos working abroad at various stages of their migration cycle — prior to deployment, during employment overseas, and after returning home.
“Our OFWs carry our economy on their backs. One way to recognize their contribution to our country is to ensure that they and their relatives and families have access to quality healthcare,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“And we can do this through the establishment of an OFW Hospital—an institution that will focus on our OFWs, from their needs before departure, to the healthcare needs of their families, and to their medical needs upon returning to our country,” he added.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre, who co-authored the bill, described the proposal as an effort to make migrant healthcare a continuing obligation of the state.
“This is a long-term and permanent service for all our OFWs and their families. Considering the magnitude of their contribution to our country and economy, this is still not enough in return. But it is truly a very good start if we want to honor our heroes,” Acidre said.
Beyond direct medical treatment, the proposed hospital would be required to operate round-the-clock telehealth services for migrant workers and their families. Assistance may also be extended through Philippine foreign posts or labor offices to support distressed workers awaiting repatriation.
The facility is also designated as a venue for pre-employment medical examinations and post-arrival assessments to strengthen health monitoring for returning workers.
Under the proposal, the DMW will oversee management, staffing, planning, and coordination with OFW groups, while the Department of Health is tasked to provide technical support, assist in capital requirements, and ensure compliance with hospital standards. Initial funding will be sourced from the budgets of concerned agencies, with future allocations to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
