The Congress approved on Monday, May 29 the measure that will establish a hospital exclusive for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) on the third and final reading.

House Bill (HB) No. 8325 or the proposed Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital Act was approved after receiving 255 favorable votes from lawmakers in the lower chamber.

The proposed Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital (OFWH) is a level III hospital that will operate in San Fernando, Pampanga under the direct supervision of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

It aims to offer a comprehensive health service for OFWs and their legal dependents as well as for the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) contributors, and the general public.

Once HB 8325 is implemented, the OFWH will provide a 24/7 telehealthcare service, and serve as a referral facility for repatriated OFWs who need medical assistance that aligns with the Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act that guarantees quality and affordable healthcare.

The proposed hospital will also offer pre-employment medical examinations, and health monitoring after employment or arrival for OFWs, as well as supporting universities, research institutions, and other organizations with their research on other hospitals in OFWs' health issues.

Under the bill, the OWWA is mandated to “ensure that existing health benefits and medical assistance programs are strengthened for OFWs and their qualified dependent.”

All agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, or instrumentalities of the government, such as government-owned or controlled corporations are also mandated to offer assistance to the OFWH.

In a press release, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that the passing of HB 8325l is proof of the House’s “continued support and commitment to the welfare and protection of our OFWs.”

"The creation of this specialty hospital that will be open to the public but will primarily serve our OFWs and their dependents will ensure that they will get the quality, timely, and efficient health care services that they deserve,” he added.

The bill was principally authored and filed by Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and several lawmakers.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern