When I first heard about the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, I felt a sense of relief. For so long, many of us working abroad have worried about affordable healthcare for our families back home.
Now, there’s a hospital built with us in mind — one that recognizes our sacrifices and ensures our loved ones have a place to go for quality care.
Overview of the OFW Hospital
- Location: San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
- Capacity: 100-bed, 7-storey facility
- Opened: Partial operations in May 2022, full operations in June 2022
- Purpose: Provide specialized, affordable healthcare to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their legal dependents
- Land: Donated by the Provincial Government of Pampanga
This hospital was established through the combined efforts of government, private foundations, and the community, and is now under the management of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) since 2023.
Who Can Benefit from the OFW Hospital?
The hospital is exclusive to:
- Active and former OFWs
- Legal dependents including:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Minor children
- Siblings
All you need to access the services is proof of OFW status, such as:
- Valid passport with overseas visa
- OWWA membership
- Other official documents
Core Services and Programs
The OFW Hospital offers a wide range of medical services. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Details |
| General Care | Outpatient consultations, inpatient admissions, surgery, and 24/7 emergency services |
| Specialized Care | Dental, pediatrics, OB-GYN, cardiology, internal medicine, mental health |
| Preventive Programs | Vaccinations, wellness checks, lifestyle counseling |
| Diagnostic Services | Laboratory (blood tests, urinalysis, microbiology), X-ray, ultrasound, and future CT scan |
| Pre-employment Exams | Medical clearance for OFWs before deployment |
| Referral Services | Coordination with higher-level hospitals for specialized cases |
| Free/Subsidized Services | For eligible OFWs and dependents upon verification |
Why the OFW Hospital Matters
Every year, OFWs contribute billions in remittances to the Philippine economy — $33.5 billion in 2023, about 8.5% of the country’s GDP. The hospital is a way of giving back, ensuring that workers and their families can access affordable, quality healthcare.
Its mission is built on three main pillars:
- Accessibility: Reduce healthcare costs for OFWs and dependents
- Quality: Modern equipment, efficient processes, and skilled healthcare providers
- Compassion: Services designed with cultural sensitivity and “malasakit”
Facilities You Can Find in the OFW Hospital
- Outpatient Department (OPD): For consultations and follow-ups
- Emergency Room (ER): 24/7 services for urgent cases
- Operating Rooms: For surgeries and major procedures
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Critical care support
- Specialist Clinics: Cardiology, pediatrics, OB-GYN, internal medicine
- Dental Clinic: Oral health services
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Unit
- Laboratory and Imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, blood work
- Pharmacy: In-house access to prescribed medicines
- Preventive Care Center: Vaccinations and wellness checks
Support facilities also include waiting lounges, telemedicine-ready rooms, and an ambulance service for emergency transfers.
Specialized Services for OFWs
What makes this hospital different is how it’s designed around the needs of OFWs:
- Pre-Employment Medical Exams: A one-stop shop for deployment requirements
- Mental Health Services: Counseling and psychiatric evaluation for OFWs and families
- Insurance Consultation: Guidance on PhilHealth, OWWA, or private insurance coverage
- Referral System: Smooth transfers to higher-level hospitals if needed
- Wellness Programs: Nutrition advice, lifestyle counseling, and disease prevention
How to Avail Services
- Prepare documents: Passport with visa, OWWA membership, or other valid proof of OFW status.
- Go to the reception: Register for outpatient, inpatient, or emergency services.
- Verification: Staff will check your eligibility for free or subsidized services.
- Access care: Depending on your needs, you’ll be directed to the appropriate department or clinic.
Required Documents for Appointments or Walk-ins
According to the official hospital guidelines, here’s what you and your dependents need to bring:
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OFW:
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Passport or valid government-issued ID
-
-
Spouse of the OFW:
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Passport or valid ID of OFW
-
Marriage Contract
-
Valid ID of spouse
-
-
Children of the OFW (17 years old and below):
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Passport or valid ID of OFW
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Birth Certificate of child
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Valid ID or School ID of child
-
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Parents of the OFW:
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Passport or valid ID of OFW
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Birth Certificate of OFW (as the child)
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Valid ID of parent
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Siblings of the unmarried OFW (17 years old and below):
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PSA/LCR Certificate of sibling
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Valid government-issued ID of sibling
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PSA/LCR Birth Certificate of OFW
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Passport or valid ID of OFW
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PSA CENOMAR of OFW
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Tip: Always bring both originals and photocopies of documents to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the hospital free for OFWs and their families?
Yes, but only for eligible OFWs and dependents with proper documents. Some services may be subsidized rather than fully free. - Can retired or former OFWs still use the hospital?
Yes. As long as you can show proof of being an OFW, you can avail of its services. - What if I live far from Pampanga?
Currently, this is the only OFW hospital, but expansion to other regions is being planned. - Do I need an appointment for services?
For outpatient services, appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are accepted. Emergency services are 24/7. - Can dependents avail services without the OFW present?
Yes, provided they bring the required documents linking them to the OFW.
Watch: PULSO: Stories That Heal and Uplift OFWs
The OFW Hospital launched its official eJournal, PULSO, spotlighting real-life stories of courage, healing, and triumph from overseas Filipino workers.
Volume One features nine heartfelt articles—from groundbreaking cardiac tests to tributes honoring decades of service.
It also celebrates the hospital’s first international recognition as Public Facility of the Year in the Health Category.
Each page captures the heartbeat of sacrifice and resilience, echoing the strength behind every OFW journey.
PULSO stands as a living archive of care, compassion, and the everyday victories of Filipino workers around the world.
Closing Thoughts
For us OFWs, peace of mind doesn’t just come from sending remittances — it comes from knowing our families are taken care of back home. The OFW Hospital in Pampanga is more than just a building; it’s a recognition of our sacrifices, a place that puts our well-being first, and a step toward making healthcare more accessible for Filipino workers worldwide.