OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families will soon have access to specialized cancer treatment with the establishment of the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center, part of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on Tuesday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility.
Mr. Cacdac said all services at the new facility will be free for OFWs, whether working abroad, preparing for deployment, or retired, and their dependents.
The P80-million facility, scheduled for completion in November 2025, will feature chemotherapy services. It will be operational by 2026.
The DMW is also eyeing to introduce radiotherapy and advanced diagnostic imaging, in partnership with other institutions.
“Everything is free, whether you are an OFW now, just going abroad, or retired from the service, you and your loved ones will be welcomed here at the OFW Hospital and we will strive to meet all your medical needs under our New Philippines,” he said in Filipino.
It will also help lessen overcrowding in the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD), which currently serves more than 160 patients every day.
The OPD will relocate to the new site once operational, allowing the current OPD space to be repurposed for pre-departure and post-arrival medical examinations for OFWs. — Chloe Marie A. Hufana
