The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday announced plans for a major expansion this year of the OFW Hospital (OFWH) in response to the growing demand for services.

These plans include securing a Level 2 license from the Department of Health, enabling the hospital to open Intensive Care Units, expand outpatient services, and offering more specialty clinics.

The DMW noted a significant increase in the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families availing of medical services at the hospital located in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

In a news release, the DMW said the data were based on the First Quarter 2025 Performance Report.

“As of March 31, 2025, the OFWH posted notable increases in hospital service utilization compared to the same period last year,” the agency said.

“The report indicates a 92-percent increase in inpatients served from 109 in Quarter 1 of 2024 to 209 in the same quarter this year, while outpatient served showed a 19 percent increase from 10,143 in 2024 to 12,097 in 2025, same quarter,” it added.

The DMW said this indicates growing trust in the government’s specialized healthcare initiatives for migrant workers and their families.

Moreover, it said that these numbers were proof of the hospital’s growing role as a vital support system for OFWs returning home, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance welfare services for migrant workers.

Aside from the outpatient department and the hospital admissions, the OFWH reported growth in multiple departments such as the radiology and laboratory procedures, which increased by 30 percent, the heart station by 34 percent, and respiratory procedures by 10 percent.

Other services, such as 24/7 emergency care, telemedicine, surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and diagnostic units, also saw a rise in patient volume.

The hospital’s Integrated Medical Repatriation and Assistance Program continued to serve returning OFWs who needed hospitalization and family health counseling.

Meanwhile, the OFWH also targets recognition as a Pre-Employment Medical Examination provider for overseas workers and a licensed Cancer Treatment Facility.

The hospital is likewise moving toward full digitalization of its systems.

Construction of a dedicated Cancer Center building is set to begin, alongside expansions in the Heart Station, Respiratory, and Radiology units. (PNA)