Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will soon have access to free health services through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The OWWA on Thursday formally received a “Lab for All” Medical Clinic and Clinical Laboratory Mobile unit from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the vehicle will be registered under PhilHealth’s YAKAP program.
“[This] means it’s a free service for our countrymen, and at the same time it is sustainable because PhilHealth will shoulder the expenses,” Caunan said.
The mobile facility will provide laboratory services free of charge to OFWs and their families.
Caunan said the vehicle will first make its rounds in Metro Manila so the rollout could be monitored and assessed to determine the best way to operate it.
A soft launch will take place to determine how many patients it can accommodate in partnership with an online triage system.
“As for me, when it comes to operations, I want to master first how to run it. Of course, our overall goal is for all regional offices, especially those without access to diagnostic centers, to immediately have [a mobile clinic]. But this is where we decided, in Metro Manila first,” Caunan said.
Beginning next week, a mobile YAKAP facility will also be available at the OWWA Central Office lobby. Initially, it will operate every Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering free checkups for OFWs. Once fully implemented, it will run Monday to Friday.
This will be accompanied by the “Alagang OWWA Botika,” which will provide more than 70 medicines for free. OFWs registered under OWWA’s YAKAP program may avail of the free medicines with a P20,000 annual allocation.
Caunan said those who wish to access the services may register online with their PhilHealth ID and their OWWA e-card, though it will also be available for walk-ins.