Expansion aims to make pre-departure health checks more accessible for Gulf-bound workersThe Philippines and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are strengthening cooperation on the medical screening of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), with plans to expand the number of accredited health facilities conducting mandatory pre-departure medical examinations for workers bound for Gulf countries. The initiative has been discussed during a meeting on August 4 at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Central Office in the Philippines. The Gulf Health Council has announced plans to increase that number, giving more Filipino workers easier access to authorised medical examinations before they leave for jobs in the Gulf. Officials have stressed the importance of ensuring that overseas workers undergo medical examinations only at qualified and accredited health facilities, in coordination with the Philippine Department of Health. Meanwhile, the DMW has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipino migrant workers, saying reliable and standardised medical examinations are an important part of preparing workers for overseas employment.