The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are moving to strengthen healthcare support for Filipino workers in the Middle East, the Department of Health said.
The initiative was discussed between Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Maha Barakat during the Philippines-UAE bilateral meeting at the World Health Assembly 2026 held in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19, 2026.
According to the DOH, both countries are working toward establishing a formal system that would allow their respective national insurance programs to cover health check-ups and medication expenses of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE.
The collaboration also includes efforts to strengthen health education among OFWs, particularly on common but often overlooked conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The DOH noted that these illnesses remain a growing concern among Filipinos working abroad, especially in the UAE.
During the meeting, Barakat also praised Filipino healthcare workers deployed in various countries, recognizing their significant contribution to the global health workforce.
She said it is only fitting for both the Philippines and the UAE to ensure better healthcare protection for Filipinos given their role in international healthcare systems.
