Health programme for Filipino migrant workers

The health programme will focus on the leading causes of diseases among OFWs and their families, major psychosocial problems, healthy lifestyle modifications and preventive initiatives.

This was disclosed by Merliza M. Makinano, Director, International Labour Affairs Service (ILAS) of DOLE, in an interview with Khaleej Times. She is currently undertaking a survey in the UAE that would help identify and address the health needs and gaps of OFWs based in the emirates. The survey is being done in eight other countries.

"This is part of a continuing programme of the Philippine government to promote the welfare of the OFWs. We had earlier designated eight doctors and seven social workers in selected posts in the Middle East and Asia. The government recognises the efforts and contribution of OFWs, and it is but fitting that it effectively delivers a wide range of services that would truly benefit them," she stressed.

The ILAS director has been in the UAE since February 11 and has started conducting focus group discussions and interviews with Filipino community members in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. "We are targeting at least 10 per cent of the OFW population in the UAE in this survey. We hope to finish this qualitative and quantitative health assessment of OFWs within four to six months," she said. The survey aims to provide sustainable and enhanced health programmes, accessible and available health care to OFWs and their families, progressive social health insurance complement and beneficiary/patient tracking and referral systems.

Ms Makinano hailed the excellent support of Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Libran Cabactulan and the Labour Attaches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Annabelle Oliveros and Vicente Cabe, towards the successful implementation of the project.

Meanwhile, a team of doctors from Depth RH Foundation, a non-government organisation, is set to arrive next week to assist Ms Makinano in the health survey.

Operational planning, skills training on counselling and critical incidence stress debriefing will all be carried out by the medical team. "We will be coming up with recommendations for a sustainable and enhanced health programme after having successfully conducted a survey and reviewing the existing policies on health-related programmes," Ms Makinano said, adding that it was necessary to get to know the community, the country's health care delivery system, referral centres and Filipino doctors and other medical allies before laying down a comprehensive health programme.