OFWs, families to benefit from expanded services at OFW Hospital
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Acting Medical Chief Dr. Patrick Louie Maglaya on July 31 presented the hospital's new facilities and medical equipment designed to meet the unique needs of OFWs and their dependents.
Cacdac emphasized that all services remain free for OFW-patients, affirming the government's commitment to providing accessible and specialized health care under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.
The OFW Hospital, the only one of its kind in the country, now offers upgraded radiology services, including a new MRI machine and digital mammography. It also added laboratory tests such as hemoglobin (HBA1), drug testing, and aqua electrolyte analysis.
Additional upgrades include a complete pulmonary function test, cardio exercise test, treadmill stress test, and holter monitoring for heart assessments. The hospital is currently seeking Level 2 accreditation from the Department of Health, which will allow full use of its ICU and expanded services.
Also in progress is the construction of the OFWH Cancer Care Center, expected to be completed within President Marcos' term. Once operational, it will offer cancer care and hemodialysis services for OFWs and qualified dependents.
As of June 2025, the OFW Hospital has already provided services to over 50,000 OFWs and their families.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Filipina worker dies of cardiac arrest on bus while returning home from Kuwait
Wilma Auza's long journey home to the Philippines ended in tragedy when she passed away on a bus during the final leg of her trip. The 41-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who had completed her employment contract in Kuwait, died of cardiac arrest while travelling to Dumaguete City on Monday According to initial reports, Auza had endured an exhausting trip involving multiple flights and bus rides. Fellow bus commuters noticed she appeared unwell during the journey and had vomited at one point. She later fell asleep but was unresponsive when the bus reached the terminal. Attempts to wake her failed, and it was discovered she had stopped breathing. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transferred her body to a rural health unit for medical examination. Authorities are currently investigating the events leading up to her death. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) extended its condolences to Auza's family and confirmed they are in close communication with them. In a statement, the agency said, "OWWA has already spoken to her family and continues to communicate to extend our heartfelt condolences, support, and financial assistance provided for them under existing programs for the welfare of the families left behind by our OFWs)." OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan clarified that Auza was not a repatriated worker but had returned to the Philippines after completing her contract abroad. "She was returning home at the end of her employment. We are currently gathering more details and will release an update soon," Caunan stated. The OWWA reiterated its commitment to supporting overseas Filipino workers and their families, especially in times of crisis.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Doctor-patient trust is key to unlocking AI's potential to improve healthcare in Australia, finds Philips' Future Health Index Report
Two-thirds (66%) of Australians welcome technology for improved care, but more than half (53%) are concerned it will mean less face time with their doctor. Three in four (74%) Australian healthcare professionals report losing clinical time due to incomplete or inaccessible patient data, with one fifth of these (19%) losing over 45 minutes per shift, amounting to 23 full days lost per year. Australians are less optimistic about AI in healthcare (43%) compared to their healthcare providers (85%), highlighting a critical trust gap. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2025 - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today released the Australian findings of its 10th edition of the Future Health Index 2025 report: Building trust in healthcare AI. For the first time, the report includes the perspectives of more than 1,000 Australian patients alongside their healthcare professionals, revealing a clear directive: Australians will embrace AI in healthcare, but only if it enhances, rather than replaces, the vital doctor-patient relationship. Whilst patients and providers see the potential for AI to address major challenges such as care delays and staff burnout, they believe its primary role should be to empower clinicians, allowing for more meaningful, human-centric care. "This 10th edition of the Future Health Index gives us the clearest picture yet of what Australians want for their healthcare: technology must serve the human connection", said Shehaan Fernando, interim Managing Director of Philips Australia and New Zealand. "For patients, building trust is as important as building technology. At Philips, we are committed to a human-centric vision for AI that empowers clinicians and strengthens the doctor-patient relationship that Australians value". Patients welcome tech, but protect p ersonal relationships The report uncovers a key tension in Australian attitudes towards technology. Whilst a majority (66%) of Australians welcome new technology if it improves the quality of their care, more than half (53%) express concern that it could lead to less direct interaction with their doctors. This desire for human connection is amplified by Australia's long-standing reliance on GP services as the foundation of the healthcare system. The findings suggest patients see AI's ideal role as a powerful support tool that handles administrative tasks, streamlines data access, and ultimately frees up GPs to engage in more in-depth, meaningful consultations. In Australia, three in four healthcare professionals (74%) report losing clinical time due to incomplete or inaccessible patient data, with one fifth of these (19%) losing more than 45 minutes per shift – adding up to 23 full days lost per healthcare professional each year [1]. AI's ability to manage and streamline patient data holds the key to reclaiming this time, allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate more focus to direct patient care. Doctors as trusted guides to AI When it comes to navigating the complexities of AI, Australians place their trust in their healthcare professionals. 79% of Australians would be most comfortable receiving information about AI in their care from their doctor, surpassing news outlets (48%) and social media (31%). This underscores the indispensable role of clinicians in guiding public acceptance and integration of AI. However, the report also notes that healthcare professionals themselves have questions, with 77% concerned or unclear about liability for AI errors. Australians are less optimistic about AI's benefits (43%) compared to their healthcare providers (84%), highlighting a critical trust gap. "As clinicians, we see the incredible potential for AI to help us diagnose earlier and create more personalised treatment plans", said Dr Tim Bowles, Head of Department - HIVE (Health in a Virtual Environment), at East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) in Western Australia. "AI can empower us to spend less time on administration and more time with our patients, ensuring technology elevates, rather than diminishes, the human element of care". Philips ' Commitment: Driving Human-Centred Innovation Philips' expertise in virtual hospital services and clinical command centres aligns with EMHS's efforts to improve patient-centred care and proactively detect the risk of patient deterioration. This collaboration, featuring the HIVE program and the deployment of a Clinical Command Centre solution leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics, has demonstrated significant patient outcomes. "By integrating AI into our clinical workflows, we've been able to detect patient deterioration earlier, intervene faster, and ultimately deliver safer, more effective care. AI has become a vital tool in supporting our clinicians and improving outcomes when and where it matters most." — Adam Lloyd, Area Director Community & Virtual Care East Metropolitan Health Service Data indicates the Clinical Command Centre has led to a 26% reduction in patient mortality [2], a 30% reduction in length of stay [3], and has helped 15% of patients be discharged home faster [4]. Furthermore, the program facilitated over 10,000 clinical interactions over a 12-month period, with 10% being for urgent or life-threatening reasons, and 64% of all interactions occurring after hours or on weekends. By integrating technology seamlessly into clinical workflows, Philips helps to augment the skills of healthcare professionals and improve patient care when it's needed most. "Our long-term vision is to deliver responsible, human-centric AI that addresses the real-world challenges of patients and providers", said Shehaan Fernando, interim Managing Director of Philips Australia and New Zealand. "By partnering with the medical community, we can ensure that innovation builds trust, improves outcomes, and supports a future of providing better care for more people". For more information, or to download the full FHI 2025 Australia report, visit [1] FHI 2025 Australia report: Based on an eight-hour shift, working 250 days per year. This amounts to 187.50 hours lost per healthcare professional on average. [2] Lilly CM, et al. A Multi-center Study of ICU Telemedicine Reengineering of Adult Critical Care. CHEST. 2014; 145(3): 500-7. [3] Lilly CM, et al. Hospital Mortality, Length of Stay and Preventable Complications Among Critically Ill Patients Before and After Tele-ICU Reengineering of Critical Care Processes. JAMA. June 2011; 305(21) 2175-83.[5] Impact of an Intensive Care Unit Telemedicine Program on a Rural Health Care System. Zawada, et al. Postgrad Med J, 2009; 121(3):160-170. [4] Impact of an Intensive Care Unit Telemedicine Program on a Rural Health Care System. Zawada, et al. Postgrad Med J, 2009; 121(3):160-170. Hashtag: #Philips The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Royal Philips About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and employs approximately 70,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at About the Future Health Index The Future Health Index is commissioned by Philips. In its 10th edition, the Future Health Index 2025 investigates how innovative technologies, particularly AI, can empower healthcare professionals to deliver better care for more people. Two quantitative surveys were carried out among more than 1,900 healthcare professionals and more than 16,000 patients in 16 countries. The surveys were conducted from December 2024 to April 2025. For more information, or to download the full FHI 2025 Global Report, visit Royal Philips
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi recorded 15,628 Emirati births in 2024
The number of births in Abu Dhabi reached 39,333 in 2024. According to the Department of Health and the Statistics Centre, 15,628 were Emiratis, of which 8,298 were males and 7,330 females. Meanwhile, non-Emirati births reached 23,492, comprising 12,174 males and 11,318 females. Abu Dhabi city had the most births with 27,353, followed by Al Ain with 10,874 and Al Dhafra with 996. In Abu Dhabi city, there were 9,676 Emirati births, including 5,102 males and 4,574 females. Meanwhile, there were 17,510 non-Emirati births, including 9,060 males and 8,450 females. In Al Ain, there were 5,524 Emirati births, including 2,961 males and 2,563 females, and 5,307 non-Emirati births, including 2,740 males and 2,567 females. In Al Dhafra region, there were 318 Emirati births, including 181 males and 137 females, and 675 non-Emirati births, including 374 males and 301 females. The month with the highest number of births was October 2024, with 3,623 babies born in Abu Dhabi. February saw the fewest births, at 3,004. Separately, the number of deaths in Abu Dhabi reached 4,499, according to statistics published by the Department of Health and the Statistics Centre. 1,332 were citizens, including 797 males and 535 females. Meanwhile, the number of deaths among non-citizens was 3,150, comprising 2,211 males and 937 females. Of these, 275 were children under the age of five, 218 were infants (under one year old) and 132 were newborns (under one month old). The under-five mortality rate was 6.99 per 1,000 live births. The infant mortality rate was 5.54 per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate was 3.36 per 1,000 live births. Adnan Najm, Staff Reporter Abu Dhabi: The number of births in Abu Dhabi reached 39,333 in 2024. According to the Department of Health and the Statistics Centre, 15,628 were Emiratis, of which 8,298 were males and 7,330 females. Meanwhile, non-Emirati births reached 23,492, comprising 12,174 males and 11,318 females. Abu Dhabi city had the most births with 27,353, followed by Al Ain with 10,874 and Al Dhafra with 996. In Abu Dhabi city, there were 9,676 Emirati births, including 5,102 males and 4,574 females. Meanwhile, there were 17,510 non-Emirati births, including 9,060 males and 8,450 females. In Al Ain, there were 5,524 Emirati births, including 2,961 males and 2,563 females, and 5,307 non-Emirati births, including 2,740 males and 2,567 females. In Al Dhafra region, there were 318 Emirati births, including 181 males and 137 females, and 675 non-Emirati births, including 374 males and 301 females. The month with the highest number of births was October 2024, with 3,623 babies born in Abu Dhabi. February saw the fewest births, at 3,004. Separately, the number of deaths in Abu Dhabi reached 4,499, according to statistics published by the Department of Health and the Statistics Centre. 1,332 were citizens, including 797 males and 535 females. Meanwhile, the number of deaths among non-citizens was 3,150, comprising 2,211 males and 937 females. Of these, 275 were children under the age of five, 218 were infants (under one year old) and 132 were newborns (under one month old). The under-five mortality rate was 6.99 per 1,000 live births. The infant mortality rate was 5.54 per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate was 3.36 per 1,000 live births.
