03/01/2026
Duterte’s push for OFW Hospital to ensure specialized health care for migrant workers
In a move to strengthen health care services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Davao City Representatives Omar Duterte and Paolo Duterte have filed House Bill No. 7024, also known as the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital Act of 2025.
The proposed measure seeks to establish a tertiary hospital dedicated to providing comprehensive and specialized medical services to more than 2.2 million Filipinos working abroad, as well as their legal dependents. The hospital is also envisioned to serve as the primary referral facility for repatriated OFWs requiring medical assistance and continued care.
Rep. Omar Duterte said the proposed hospital aims to address the unique health risks faced by migrant workers.
“This hospital is intended to provide specialized, comprehensive care for all migrant workers, including both active and inactive Overseas Workers Welfare Administration contributors and their legal dependents,” he said.
He added that the bill was filed after learning of the high vulnerability of OFWs to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, degenerative conditions, and various infectious and chronic illnesses due to the nature of their work and prolonged stay overseas.
Rep. Paolo Duterte, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of centralizing health services for OFWs.
“By centralizing health care for OFWs, the government can ensure that they receive the dignity of care they truly deserve after years of sacrifice for their families and the country,” he said.
Under the bill, the Department of Health will be tasked with funding the establishment and operation of the hospital through allocations under its programs, with funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The measure also mandates the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to allocate a dedicated line-item budget under its benefits and medical assistance programs to improve OFWs’ and their dependents’ access to quality health care services.
The authors said the proposed OFW Hospital is a long-term investment in the welfare of Filipino migrant workers, recognizing their vital contribution to national development.