The Department of Health (DOH) has significantly enhanced medical services for the country's modern-day heroes. On January 16, 2026, the DOH announced the official upgrade of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital located in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
What the Level 2 Upgrade Means for OFWs
This crucial development is centered on the issuance of a Level 2 License to Operate by the DOH Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau. This new classification marks a major leap from the hospital's previous status as a Level 1 infirmary. The most immediate impact is on capacity: the hospital's authorized bed count has been increased to 72 beds, up from the previous limit of 50.
More importantly, the upgrade unlocks a comprehensive suite of specialized medical services that were previously unavailable at the site. The facility can now operate an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It is also equipped to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment through operating and delivery rooms, a pharmacy, radiology, a computed tomography (CT) scan machine, a heart station, and a lung station. The license also permits the operation of one Type 2 ambulance.
Dr. Patrick Louie Maglaya, the OIC-Medical Center Chief of the OFW Hospital, explained the transformation. "Level 1 usually does not have an ICU and has limited services, but it is still a great help in primary healthcare," he said. "Now the OFW Hospital has been upgraded to Level 2 where we now have an ICU and special care units to address more complex cases." The facility initially functioned similarly to a DOH district hospital, focusing on basic care.
Expanding Access Beyond Pampanga
The hospital's vision extends beyond its main building in Pampanga. To bring healthcare closer to OFWs and their families, the institution is rolling out the Sigla Wellness Center initiative. This program establishes satellite clinics in key locations.
A clinic is already operational at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Building in Makati. Plans are underway to open more sites at the DMW Central Office in Ortigas and the National Reintegration Center along Agham Road in Quezon City. This network aims to save OFWs from the need to travel to Pampanga for certain medical needs.
Furthermore, the hospital is coordinating with other DOH hospitals across the Philippines to strengthen dedicated OFW wards and ensure nationwide access. Additional wellness clinics are being planned in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including potential setups in airport lounges.
Preparing for Future Services and Ongoing Mission
In anticipation of its expanded role and future projects—such as a planned Cancer Care Center and dialysis services—the OFW Hospital has intensified its blood donation drive. This effort is done in collaboration with the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital and the Philippine Blood Network.
Dr. Maglaya also shared the hospital's ambitious goal: to achieve Level 3 status by 2027, which would denote a more advanced tertiary care facility. He emphasized that the hospital remains open to serve OFWs and their dependents. In line with the Universal Healthcare Law, he assured the public that emergency cases, even for non-OFWs, are not refused.
This upgrade represents a concrete step by the government in fulfilling its commitment to the welfare of Filipino migrant workers, ensuring they and their families have access to higher-quality, specialized healthcare both in their home province and in metropolitan centers.
