OWWA Bicol, Hospitals Forge Partnership for OFW Medical Programs

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 21 (PNA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) regional office in Bikol has tied-up with major hospitals in the region for its newly introduced medical programs for OFWs.

OWWA Bicol Director Jocelyn Hapal disclosed that the agency has recently entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLLH) and Santissima Trinidad Hospital of Daet (STHD), both in Camarines Norte, and with Sta. Maria Josefa Hospital Foundation (SMJHF) in Iriga City, Camarines Sur for the initial implementation of the program.

Hapal explained that OWWA's new medical programs consist of HEALTH-PRO and REHAB-PRO, established in response to the medical and rehabilitation assistance needs of OFWs.

HEALTH-PRO covers hospitalization of OFWs whose illnesses are either classified intensive, dreaded and catastrophic cases; while REHAB-PRO consists of rehabilitation services to OFWs with physical disability and/or mental illness contracted overseas.

She furthered that a maximum of P100,000 financial assistance will cover hospital bills, medicines, laboratory tests and similar expenses for active-OWWA member OFWs.

"Meanwhile, rehabilitation services may include physical therapy and assistive devices for OFWs with physically disability, and for mentally ill OFWs, institutional care and special medicines. Other special diagnostic procedures shall also be extended to cover CT-scan guided thoracentesis, angiography and others," she said.

Hapal noted that with these tie-ups with hospitals, qualified OFWs will be assured medical treatment. Payments will be made directly by OWWA to the hospital to ease the problem of the OFWs particularly in deposit requirements and further treatment.

OWWA Bicol will soon reach other hospitals in Masbate, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Albay, to cover the entire OFW population in the region needing medical assistance. (PNA)