The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is planning significant improvements to the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga as an increasing number of migrant workers and their families make use of its services.

According to the First Quarter 2025 Performance Report released by the DMW on Thursday, April 24, there was a 92-percent increase in the number of inpatients and a 19-percent hike in the number of outpatients served at the OFW Hospital this first quarter compared to the same period last year.

From Jan. 1 to March 31, there were 209 inpatients and 12,097 outpatients served, higher than 109 inpatients and 10,143 outpatients in Quarter 1 of 2024.

“The surge in patients indicates growing trust in the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care for OFWs and continuing capacity build-up,” the DMW said.

There was also a remarkable growth in the number of patients served in other services offered at the OFW Hospital including 24/7 emergency room, telemedicine, minor and major operations, ob-gyne, radiology, laboratory, respiratory, and the heart station.

Its integrated medical repatriation and assistance program (IMRAP) also catered to returning migrant workers needing both in-patient hospital care and family health counseling.

“On physical accomplishment, the hospital recorded a 30 percent increase in procedures done in radiology, 30 percent increase in laboratory, 34 percent in heart station, and a 10 percent increase in respiratory procedures,” the DMW said.

“Among its key accomplishments, the hospital reported improvements in both physical performance and budget utilization. Data shows an upward trend in the number of payors for hospital services with 100 percent in amounts paid both in 2024 and 2025,” it added.

As such, the OFW Hospital aims to secure a Department of Health License to Operate (DOH-LTO) Level 2 licensing to further improve its services.

The DMW said this would enable the medical facility to have specialized units live intensive care units (ICUs), a wider range of outpatient services, and more specialty clinics.

“Other targets include the formal recognition as a Medical Facility for Overseas Workers and Seafarers (MFOWS) Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) provider, securing a license for a Cancer Treatment Facility, and the full computerization of hospital systems,” the DMW said.

Further, construction is also set to begin for a new Cancer Center Building at the OFW Hospital as well as the expansion of the heart station and respiratory and radiology areas.

“These initiatives will not only enhance the hospital's capabilities but also broaden its reach in specialized care, providing vital services closer to home for OFWs and their loved ones,” the DMW noted.