DMW eyes establishment of OFW hospitals nationwide

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently announced plans to establish OFW Hospital branches across the country to provide better healthcare access for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

“Gusto rin namin palawigin yung OFW Hospital, para hindi lang siya sa San Fernando, Pampanga. We intend to develop branches so to speak, or units. You know how clinics are set up in malls? Parang ganun, hospitals or clinics set up in malls, parang ganun nationwide,” said DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac during a radio interview last week.

The OFW Hospital, currently located in San Fernando, Pampanga, has served over 86,000 inpatients and outpatients as of last year, according to the DMW.

The agency also reported that it recently hired around 200 medical personnel to support the hospital’s operations.

“So, we’re thankful with the DBM… So, I have administered the oath of around 200 nurses and doctors, medical staff, regular plantilla items (at the) OFW Hospital,” Cacdac added.

In addition to the nationwide expansion, the DMW aims to increase the hospital’s bed capacity beyond its current 50 beds and establish a dialysis treatment facility.