OWWA has introduced a new healthcare program called “Alagang OWWA Botika,” providing significant medical benefits to OFWs and their dependents. This initiative offers free medicines (up to PHP 20,000) and consultations, ensuring that Filipino workers receive continuous healthcare support even after their time abroad. This is welcome news for many OFWs in Dubai and across the globe who support families back home.
The program is a collaboration between OWWA, the Department of Health (DOH), and PhilHealth. It aims to provide a comprehensive healthcare solution for the nation’s heroes.
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Benefits
- Up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines per year for eligible OFWs and their dependents
- Free medical consultations every Friday during “YAKAP Day”
- Wide range of medicines available, including maintenance drugs for chronic conditions
- Accessible at multiple locations: OWWA Head Office in Pasay City, Gateway Mall in Quezon City, and Festival Mall in Alabang
- Open to active, inactive, retired, and repatriated OWWA members with a valid PhilHealth number
Up to ₱20,000 in Free Medication Annually
A major feature of the Alagang OWWA Botika is the provision of free medicines. Each eligible OFW family can receive medication worth up to ₱20,000 every year. The pharmacy, located at the OWWA Center Building in Pasay City, is stocked with around 75 types of medicines, including maintenance drugs for chronic health conditions.
The pharmacy operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it accessible for members to claim their prescriptions. This benefit is expected to significantly reduce the financial strain of medical expenses on OFW families.
“YAKAP Day” for Free Weekly Consultations
In addition to free medicines, the program includes “YAKAP Day,” which provides free medical check-ups every Friday. These consultations are conducted by YAKAP-accredited doctors and are available at multiple locations for convenience:
- OWWA Head Office in Pasay City
- Gateway Mall in Quezon City
- Festival Mall in Alabang
Prescriptions from these consultations can be filled at the Alagang OWWA Botika, creating a streamlined process for members to get the care they need.
Who Can Avail and How?
OWWA has made the program inclusive, covering a wide range of its members. Eligibility extends to active, inactive, retired, and even repatriated OFWs. The only requirement is that the member or their dependent must have a valid PhilHealth number.
To avail of the benefits, members simply need to get a consultation from a YAKAP-accredited doctor on a Friday. After receiving a prescription, they can present it at the Alagang OWWA Botika in Pasay to claim their free medicines.
While the program is currently in its pilot phase in Metro Manila, OWWA plans to expand it nationwide. This will bring vital healthcare support closer to more OFW families throughout the Philippines, fulfilling the agency’s promise of continuous care.