Health Secretary Jean Paulyn Ubial has assured Filipino workers returning to the Philippines from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of adequate services.
The repatriates are taking part in the 90-day amnesty program offered by Saudi Arabia for workers whose residence permits have expired.
Ubial noted that health services is part of the inter-agency efforts of the Philippine government, specifically the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to facilitate the repatriation of undocumented workers.
Addressing the health of Filipinos is vital and highly relevant for the success of our nation’s efforts to realize the Philippine Health Agenda of “All for Health towards Health for All.”
“This agenda primarily seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health care for all Filipinos, whether within the country or overseas,” said Ubial.
The DoH has issued Department Memorandum No. 2017 – 0191 or the “Medical Assistance for the Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers using the DoH Medical Assistance Program [MAP],” which provides financial assistance to socially or economically disadvantaged patients seeking medical services at government health facilities.
The Filipino overseas workers who have been recently repatriated or are still to arrive from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the benefit of KSA’s Amnesty Program undergo assessment by Social Workers in government health facilities to enable them to access medical/surgical/dental services free of charge under the MAP.
“Such services are extended throughout their pre-departure and travel periods, into arrival at their destination countries, all the way until they return to the Philippines at the conclusion of their work contracts,” said Ubial.
The DoH chief said this would guarantee that the health of Filipino migrants is always safeguarded, thereby guaranteeing that “no Filipino gets left behind.”
These efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Filipinos are supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Manila International Airport Authority.
