Recognising the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), several community organisations in Qatar joined forces with a private healthcare provider to deliver free medical consultations and health screenings to dozens of expatriates during a medical mission.
Themed “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts”, the initiative was held on July 24, bringing together the Supreme Elite Eagles Club - Official, BIMAK Qatar, GSSI and GABII in partnership with Brite Medical Centre to promote preventive healthcare and improve health awareness among members of the Filipino community.
“Our inspiration is rooted in service — strengthened by genuine brotherhood and guided by our deep love for our fellow OFWs,” Supreme Elite Eagles Club president Eagle Mario Solang told Gulf Times.He said the medical mission aimed not only to provide free healthcare services but also to encourage regular health monitoring and preventive care, stressing that “prevention is always better than cure.
”The programme benefited 78 people out of 112 registered participants, offering a comprehensive range of free services, including body mass index assessments, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar, cholesterol and uric acid testing, dental screening, consultations with general practitioners, paediatric and gynaecology specialists, as well as paediatric nutrition counselling for overweight and underweight children.
The screenings also revealed a growing burden of non-communicable diseases within the Filipino community in Qatar. According to Solang, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and increased cholesterol were the most common health concerns identified among beneficiaries.He said the findings underscore the need for continuous health monitoring, early detection and preventive healthcare initiatives, while highlighting the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles and regular medical check-ups among OFWs, whose work demands and daily pressures can increase their risk of lifestyle-related illnesses.
Solang highlighted the value of collaboration between community organisations and the private healthcare sector in extending medical services to expatriate workers.“Service born from compassion and strengthened by collaboration reminds us that humanity thrives when we choose to care for one another,” he said.Following the positive response to the programme, the organisers plan to hold similar medical missions to reach more OFWs in Qatar.“As we move forward, more OFWs will benefit—not only through medical care but through genuine human connection. In times of crisis, our compassion becomes the light that guides and heals us all,” Solang added.