The overseas Filipino workers hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga will be regularly funded while wards for such migrants are to be opened in public hospitals under Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's new bills.

Senate Bill 2297 seeks to enhance healthcare services for OFWs and their families by institutionalizing the existing OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center. A key feature of the bill is assured funding for the maintenance, operation, staffing and equipment of the hospital.

The OFW Hospital, a donation from the provincial government of Pampanga, started operations in May 2022. Located on a 1.5-hectare land, the six-story facility has 100 beds and also serves OFW dependents.

Apart from delivering medical services, the hospital strives to take the lead in research initiatives focused on the prevention, management and treatment of occupational diseases afflicting OFWs.

The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also believes that it would be a big help for OFW to have dedicated ward in every Department of Health-retained hospital across the country as provided in his SBN 2414.

Justifying the OFW Ward bill, Go said This approach, according to Go, OFWs have unique healthcare requirements due to the nature of their work and the health risks they may encounter overseas.

The proposed legislation covers all OFWs and their dependents defined as parents, legal spouse, legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated and legally adopted children who are unmarried, not gainfully employed and not over 18 years old, or those over 18 but incapacitated due to mental or physical defects.

In a related development, the senator aims to double the current P500 million Cancer Assistance Fund in the 2024 national budget to help more cancer patients in line with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act under Republic Act 11215.

Fortifying education
Go is also helping fortify the education sector.

In his speech during the 50th Commencement Exercises of Cavite State University-CCAT Rosario Campus on 5 September, he shared three bills that he co-authored and co-sponsored for the benefit of college students.

SBN 1359 or the proposed "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act" passed by the Senate in March aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees. The bill ensures that no student's education is compromised due to financial constraints.