One of the main requirements for any job here and abroad is the medical examination.  Of course, employers want to make sure that the people they would hire are fit enough to do the jobs that will be required of them.

Per the 2006 list released by POEA, there are around 136 accredited medical clinics/hospitals all around the country, both for land-based employees and for seafarers.  Accredited medical examiners range from small clinics to primary hospitals. 

For a list of POEA Accredited clinics and hospitals, please check out this link:  http://www2.doh.gov.ph/bhfs/ofw/OFWMEDCLINIC2006.pdf

Hospitals and clinics require a certain amount as fee for the medical exams, depending on what type of tests will be done to you.  The components of medical exams, in turn, depend on which country you are going.  Just inform the hospital personnel the country to which you are bound and they will be ready to give you the list of what tests you have to undergo.

For Overseas Filipino workers (OFW's) bound to Dubai, below are the tests you may expect during your medical examination:

·         Chest X-ray - to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.

·         CBC - to examine different parts of the blood, including, white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and platelet count.

·         ABO - to determine ABO blood group and Rh type.

·         Urinalysis - to detect substances or cellular material in the urine associated with different metabolic and kidney disorders.

·         Stool Exam - to detect parasites in the stool.

·         HBSAG - to detect the presence of Hepatitis B antigens.

·         VDRL - to diagnose infection with syphilis in sexually active persons.

·         HIV - to diagnose HIV infection.

• Psychological testing is also required.  And for females, there is an additional pregnancy test, which requires an additional payment as well.