Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will soon receive free annual medical check-ups through the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) AKSYON Fund, as part of a government-backed initiative to uphold their right to health and well-being while working abroad.

The DMW said in media release Thursday that Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac made the announcement during a Senate inquiry earlier in the day, as Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concerns over irregularities in pre-employment medical examinations and alleged abusive practices by some clinics.

“Yes, Mr. Chair, we will do that through the AKSYON Fund, dahil maaari po nating pondohan ang follow-through medical check-up ng ating mga OFW upang matiyak ang kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan habang nasa abroad at bago sila umuwi sa bansa (because we can fund the follow-through medical check-ups of our OFWs to ensure their health and well-being while abroad and before they return home),” Cacdac said.

The AKSYON Fund, or Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan, is a key financial support mechanism for OFWs needing urgent assistance abroad.

Cacdac said that under the directive, routine health monitoring for OFWs during their deployment and prior to repatriation will also be covered.

Tulfo, meanwhile, urged the DMW to institutionalize the initiative through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure greater oversight and regulation of medical clinics conducting OFW health clearances.

He said medical clinics should have prior coordination with and obtain approval from the DOH.

Tulfo also raised issues against the SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), which reportedly charges OFWs PHP1,200 to PHP1,300 for initial and repeated confirmatory tests, without proper explanation.

SMSI is a maritime clinic, authorized to perform pre-employment medical examinations and issue medical clearances to seafarers and overseas contract workers.

In response, Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) oversee the pre-employment medical process, but stressed that the DMW has the authority to investigate and impose sanctions against agencies found guilty of malpractice.

“We will pursue a MOA with DOH, but also will bring this to the Human Resource for Health Network (HRHN), and the private sector to create a comprehensive venue for addressing these health-related issues,” he added.

Cacdac said that while shipowners follow strict international medical standards, any excessive or unjustified testing must be examined. (PNA)