EXPLAINER: DMW's free health screening: Who can join, what to bring

MANILA, Philippines — Current and former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), along with their families, can avail themselves of free health services and medical consultations during the Migrant Workers Health Summit 2026, which will be held from June 30 to July 1 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in Quezon City, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

The two-day summit forms part of the government’s observance of National Migrant Workers Month and is organized by the DMW in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), OFW Hospital (OFWH), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to the DMW, the event goes beyond providing free health screening by bringing together medical experts, government agencies, and healthcare providers to offer consultations, wellness services, and discussions on health issues commonly affecting migrant workers and their families. Topics include common diseases among OFWs, women’s health, mental health, and other migrant wellness concerns.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Gov’t launches free medical aid for OFWs, kin

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Available services include hypertension, diabetes and nutrition assessment, cancer screening, tuberculosis and HIV testing, eye and dental services, massage, haircut, children’s vaccination, risk assessment, and assistance from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), PhilHealth, the Social Security System (SSS), and other partner agencies. Wellness booths and expert health talks will also be available throughout the summit.

The DMW has encouraged prospective participants to register through the QR code posted on its official social media platforms. During registration, participants may also indicate the medical services they intend to avail themselves of, allowing organizers to prepare for attendees’ healthcare needs.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Monday, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay urged overseas Filipino workers to take advantage of the free services.

“To our fellow Filipinos, particularly our overseas Filipino workers, we encourage you to register for our two-day Migrant Workers Health Summit, which will be held starting tomorrow until Wednesday at the Occupational Safety and Health Center, located near the Veterans Hospital in Quezon City. During registration, you may indicate the medical services you would like to avail yourselves of, and we will do our best to address those needs.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Rubia-Tutay also clarified that the summit is open not only to active migrant workers but also to former OFWs.

“We’ve also been receiving questions from our fellow Filipinos asking whether former overseas Filipino workers can participate. Yes, they may join. They only need to bring their passport or any identification that can prove they are former OFWs. This event is open to both current and former overseas Filipino workers, along with their families, including children aged 6 months to 59 months.”

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Recruitment firms face raps for keeping OFW applicants in illegal houses

Getting to the venue

The summit will take place at the Occupational Safety and Health Center, located at North Avenue corner Agham Road (also known as Sen. Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue), Quezon City.

According to the DMW, participants may reach the venue through several public transportation options.

Those taking the MRT-3 may alight at North Avenue Station before boarding a jeepney, bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service bound for OSHC, Agham Road, or Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Those commuting by bus, jeepney, or UV Express may take routes passing North Avenue, Agham Road, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, or Quezon Memorial Circle and ask to be dropped off near OSHC.

Motorists may simply search for Occupational Safety and Health Center, Quezon City on Waze or Google Maps.

The DMW advised participants to allow extra travel time due to possible heavy traffic along EDSA, North Avenue, and Quezon Memorial Circle.

What participants should bring

To help speed up registration and medical consultations, the DMW advised participants to bring the following:

Valid ID;

Passport or OFW document, if available;

Registration confirmation or QR code;

Medical records, laboratory results, or prescriptions, if available;

List of current medications and maintenance medicines, if needed;

Ballpen;

Tumbler or drinking water;

Face mask, alcohol, or hand sanitizer;

Umbrella, handheld fan, or portable fan;

Extra shirt, if necessary; and

Reusable bag for forms, flyers, and other materials.

Held under the theme “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan para sa Kalusugan,” the summit aims to strengthen government efforts to provide accessible healthcare services and health information for Filipino migrant workers and their families as part of the broader National Migrant Workers Month celebration. /das

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.