PH Embassy Medical Mission Offers Free Check-Up, Access to Cheap Medical Services to OFWs in Lebanon

BEIRUT 03 April 2019 — To promote good health and the general well-being of Filipino workers in Lebanon, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut organized a medical mission that afforded them the opportunity to have free one-on-one consultations and learn from a public seminar that discussed common health issues that afflict women migrant workers.

The medical mission, which benefited more than 100 women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), was conducted at the Embassy chancery on 24 March 2019 in collaboration with Elpis-HOME Clinic, a poly-clinic that provides medical assistance to marginalized sectors.

Elpis-HOME gave each patient an identification card that will allow them access to the clinic’s check-up and laboratory services, and available medicine supply at very affordable cost.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L. Catalla cited the increasing number of OFWs who have recently sought the assistance of the Embassy for medical treatment.

“Sadly, most of them were already in serious condition and had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. There were even cases where patients died under medical care of the hospital. This prompted the Embassy to start focusing its projects for this year to the promotion of workers’ health, and prevention of common illnesses,” Ambassador Catalla said. 

The public seminar tackled general and reproductive health and non-communicable diseases. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Rawad Bassil talked about common women’s ailments, their symptoms and cure, and taught the attendees how to check themselves for breast tumor, cyst and cancer. Family doctor Stephanie Arayji tackled general health and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney failure.

Patients were accommodated on a first come-first served basis. Prior to the one-on-one check-up, Embassy personnel and volunteers who have some medical background assisted by taking the client's personal data, medical history, and vital signs such as weight, blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate. Each patient was also given a healthy pack of breakfast fare.

Sponsored by the Embassy for the first time, the medical mission is one of two events organized to celebrate this year’s celebration National Women’s Month in March as part of its continuing program under Gender and Development. A community Zumba Dance session was held at Hooligans Sports Complex in Sin El Fil, Beirut on 31 March 2019.  END

For more information, visit www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon/.