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.

A new centre has opened in Abu Dhabi to care for people living with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. The Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Centre was launched by Burjeel Holdings at Burjeel Medical City.

The centre is designed to give complete, long-term care to people with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. It has:

• Outpatient clinics
• A blood transfusion unit open 7 days a week
• Advanced tests to check iron levels in the heart and liver
• Genetic testing is done on-site

Patients are treated by doctors with many years of experience in both adult and children’s care. The centre also connects to other Burjeel hospitals across the UAE, making it easier for more people to access treatment.

Prof. Khaled Musallam, Director of the Centre, said: “Our goal is to make this a top centre in the region for treating rare blood diseases. We’re not just treating symptoms, we want to improve our patients’ lives through personalised and advanced care.”

The centre will also work with a nearby research centre to help patients join international clinical trials. This gives them access to new treatments, including possible cures.

The opening took place under the patronage of Sheikha Shaikha bint Saif bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Emirates Thalassemia Society and wife of Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Several guests, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and leaders from Burjeel and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, attended the ceremony.