Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has filed a bill to expand the capacity of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, from 50 to 100 beds. The bill aims to address the growing number of OFWs and their dependents seeking medical care at the facility.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized the need to enhance healthcare services for OFWs, calling them the country’s “modern-day heroes.” He said the bill is part of broader efforts to strengthen government support for OFWs, ensuring they receive both protection abroad and healthcare services at home.

The OFW Hospital, established through Executive Order No. 154 in 2021 and inaugurated on 1 May 2022, is the country’s primary healthcare facility dedicated to OFWs and their families. However, its 50-bed capacity is struggling to meet the increasing demand.

Under Senate Bill No. 2990, the hospital’s capacity will be doubled, with upgrades to its facilities and services. The expansion includes hiring more healthcare professionals and acquiring additional medical equipment. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will provide funding for the expansion, while the Department of Health (DOH) will include the hospital in its subsidy program for medical infrastructure.

Go has been a staunch advocate for improving healthcare for vulnerable sectors, including OFWs, and urged his colleagues in Congress to support the bill, noting that investing in OFWs’ welfare benefits the country’s economy.