Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

In the spirit of generosity and unity reflected in the Year of Community, Abu Dhabi’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Authority has launched the ‘Life Endowment’ campaign to support patients battling chronic diseases. The campaign, in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is being rolled out under the heartwarming slogan: “With You for Life.”

Dh1 Billion for Lifesaving Healthcare

The campaign is part of the larger Dh1 billion ‘Healthcare Endowment’ fund created in May 2024 in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and Ma’an (Authority of Social Contributions). This initiative ensures continuous funding for patients in need, helping them access treatments, medications, and psychological support.

It’s a long-term plan to make healthcare more accessible, especially for those who can’t afford it.

Why it matters

The ‘Life Endowment’ initiative:

• Helps patients with chronic conditions who need regular care
• Ensures sustainable funding for critical treatments
• Supports the UAE’s vision for community-driven healthcare
• Encourages social solidarity and collective giving

Community at the heart of care

Fahad Al Qassim, Director General of Abu Dhabi Awqaf, said:

“This campaign offers hope to those suffering and is a reflection of the UAE’s values of giving and humanity. We invite everyone to contribute and help build a healthy, sustainable society.”

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, added:

“This endowment puts the needs of patients first. It’s a sustainable way to fund care and improve lives.”

The campaign’s two donation channels are:

• Emirates Red Crescent – with a long history of humanitarian work
• Ma’an – Abu Dhabi’s official platform for social contributions

How the community can help

Ahmed Al Mazrouei from the Red Crescent said that endowments are a strong foundation for lasting charitable efforts. Abdulla Al Ameri from Ma’an emphasised the importance of uniting society to support healthcare and improve the quality of life for all.

What is an Endowment?
An endowment is a charitable donation where the principal amount is invested, and the returns are used to fund important causes, in this case, healthcare for the most vulnerable.

Doctors in the UAE who respond to life-threatening emergencies can now bypass certain traffic rules, thanks to a unique service called the ‘Bin Wariqa Service’.

The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior, allows approved doctors to use their own cars to reach hospitals quickly during urgent medical calls. It’s designed to help save lives by cutting down emergency response times.

What is the Bin Wariqa Service?

The service was introduced in July 2020 under the direction of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. It gives registered doctors special road privileges, including:

• Driving up to 40 km/h over the speed limit
• Using the hard shoulder
• Getting live support from traffic patrols

The idea is to ensure doctors can reach patients faster, even during heavy traffic.

Who can use it?

To qualify, doctors must:

• Belong to one of 13 approved critical medical specialities
• Be licensed
• Get Ministry approval
• Complete emergency driving training

How does it work?

When a doctor gets an emergency call:

1. They activate the service on the Ministry’s smart app (moiuae).
2. Their trip is tracked by the operations room, which helps guide them through traffic.
3. A green triangle device called a “lawah” is placed on their car to alert other drivers that it’s an emergency.

Keeping roads safe

The service is carefully monitored under Ministerial Resolution No. 248 of 2020. It ensures that doctors use special routes like road shoulders and bus lanes safely and only when needed. Live coordination with traffic teams ensures safety for everyone on the road.

Strong support from the medical community

So far, 97 per cent of eligible doctors have registered for the service, and it’s already helping reduce response times by up to 30 per cent.

A nod to medical heritage

The service is named after Saeed bin Wariqa Al Amri, a historic figure known for his work in traditional medicine and his service to the UAE’s founding leaders. It’s a modern tribute to the country’s deep respect for medical professionals.