Overseas Filipino workers or OFWs applying for job openings in Middle East countries are often having hard time passing the medical examination required. This is because OFWs are supposed to have the medical exam from a GAMCA-accredited clinic.

GAMCA or GCC Approved Medical Clinics Association, processes the examination for OFWs who are to work in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. Any medical examination done from non-GAMCA clinics are invalid and unrecognized. Thus, costing more for OFWs expenses before they can land the job.

But the government had taken action on this manner. House committee on Overseas Workers Affair headed by Representative Wes Gatchalian, reported that an inter-agency task force had endorsed the abolition of the monopoly of GAMCA clinics.

The inter-agency task force, comprise of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Justice, had all agreed for a joint memorandum circular giving rights for OFWs to choose freely which DOH-accredited clinics they would undergo their medical examination.

Before, OFWs will have to pay about P3,000  for their medical examination under GAMCA-accredited clinics. Now, OFWs have to pay half of these amount only  in DOH-accredited clinics. Meaning, applicants can save more money which they could use for other purposes.

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OFWs' Long Queue in GAMCA Centers To End Soon