Medical tests are an essential part of being a worker in Taiwan, or anywhere else, for that matter. For one thing, pre-employment medical exams are necessary to ensure that workers are physically and mentally fit for the job. Likewise, post-employment check-ups help to monitor the general health and well-being of workers.
This article presents the medical tests and check-ups that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) typically go through, before and after they get hired in Taiwan. It also includes a list of accredited clinics in the Philippines where job applicants can undergo medical examinations.
OFW Guide on Medical Check-ups
Generally, job applicants in the Philippines need to undergo medical exams before going abroad. After getting hired, they will undergo further medical tests upon arrival in Taiwan, and later get regular check-ups every several months or so.
Pre-employment Medical Check-up
As part of the hiring process, a job applicant must first undergo a medical exam in the Philippines. These initial medical tests usually include the following:
- Chest X-Ray for Tuberculosis;
- Serological Test for HIV;
- Serological Test for Syphilis;
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test;
- Urine Test for Drug Use;
- Stool Test for Intestinal Parasites; and
- Pregnancy Test (for female applicants).
In case the test result for Tuberculosis, HIV, or other conditions is positive, further medical tests and treatment may be required.
Moreover, job applicants will also need to undergo a General Examination, which includes measuring/checking their height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, pulse, vision, color discrimination, and other physical characteristics.
List of Accredited Clinics for Medical Tests
Job applicants in the Philippines must undergo medical tests at clinics accredited by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). Here is a list of accredited clinics and hospitals, based on the official website of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control:
- Clemen’s Medical Clinic;
- Manila Doctor’s Hospital;
- Medisense Laboratory Center (Davao Branch);
- MedWay Healthcare Inc.;
- Philippine Medical Tests System;
- Physician’s Diagnostic Center;
- Physician’s Diagnostic Services Center (Cebu City);
- Sacred Heart Diagnostic Medical Center;
- S.M. Lazo Medical Clinic, Inc.; and
- St. Martin Polyclinic.
NOTE: Unless indicated, the above clinics and hospitals are based in Metro Manila.
Post-arrival Medical Check-ups
Upon getting hired, an OFW must undergo another medical test within three (3) days of arrival in Taiwan, as part of his/her resident visa application. The next medical check-up will be after six (6) months, and then every 12 months (annual check-ups).
Post-employment medical check-ups are mandatory, and all OFWs must make sure that they undergo these tests regularly. In some cases, the medical check-ups may need to be done more frequently, depending on the person’s job, visa type, and personal condition.
Image Credit: cdc.gov.tw
Medical exams and check-ups are crucial to the overseas hiring process. To ensure a successful job application, as well as to make sure that you are fit to work physically and mentally, always be prepared to undergo medical tests every now and then.
Speaking of health, there are times when you might get sick and need to file a sick leave from work. If this is the case, check out this guide on how to file a medical leave, for your reference!