MANILA — Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free, specialized healthcare for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families through the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Speaking at a media briefing, Cacdac emphasized that the hospital has consistently followed its zero-billing policy, regardless of the rising number of patients and expanded services.
“Let me just say, wala talagang binabayaran kahit isang kusing (not a single peso is paid),” Cacdac stated. “We’ve never had that challenge at the OFW Hospital since Day 1.”
He clarified that the hospital is operated directly under the DMW, ensuring close alignment with the needs of OFWs.
Patient Volume Soars
Dr. Patrick Louie Maglaya, Officer-in-Charge of the OFW Hospital, reported that the facility served over 53,000 patients from January to June 2025—a 24% increase from around 43,000 in the same period last year.
Despite the surge, Dr. Maglaya reiterated that no charges were billed to patients, whether for consultations, diagnostics, operations, or inpatient care.
Breakdown of service increases:
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Inpatient admissions: up 119% (from 221 to 485 patients)
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Surgical procedures: up 72% (from 180 to 309 cases)
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Urgent care cases: up 63% (from 1,145 to 1,863)
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Outpatient consultations: up 14% (to 23,629)
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OB-Gyne cases: up 67%
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Respiratory illnesses: up 128%
Growth was also seen in diagnostic and support services, including radiology, laboratory work, and cardiology monitoring (heart station).
How Zero Billing is Sustained
Dr. Goldwin Posadas, Head of Ancillary Services, explained that the hospital’s zero-billing operations are funded through a multi-agency support system, including:
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Department of Health (DOH)
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PhilHealth reimbursements
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Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
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Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
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Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay added that the facility’s operations are covered under the General Appropriations Act, with an annual budget ranging from ₱300 million to ₱500 million. This covers utilities, janitorial services, and salaries for 198 permanent plantilla positions, alongside contract-based staff like nurses and doctors.
Growing Capacity, Expanding Services
To keep up with growing demand, the hospital has introduced new specialty services in:
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Cardiology
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Nephrology
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Pulmonology
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ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
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General Surgery
Advanced diagnostic equipment, including MRI and mammogram machines, have also been secured and are expected to be operational within six months.
The hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is currently awaiting DOH accreditation, and a ₱100 million Cancer Care Center is set for construction within the year.
Preparations are underway for Level 2 hospital accreditation, which would enable the hospital to provide more advanced medical services.
Who Can Avail
The OFW Hospital provides care for:
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Active and returning OFWs
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Former OFWs
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Their qualified dependents, including spouses, children, and in some cases, parents and guardians (with proper documentation)
The OFW Hospital remains a landmark initiative, ensuring that OFWs—often called the country’s modern-day heroes—receive the healthcare they deserve, at no cost, while continuously expanding to meet the growing needs of its stakeholders.
Via PNA
