Abused Filipino workers in Japan get free medical treatment

Filipino workers in Japan who were victims of physical abuse and violence were able to get free medical treatment in hospitals through an arrangement made by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

The Philippine foreign affairs department said on Thursday that the embassy was able to negotiate the waiver of approximately 5.7 million yen in hospital and medical fees of distressed Filipinos for the first semester of 2010. Some hospitals also provided doctors or nurses to accompany workers with medical conditions upon their repatriation to the Philippines.

"The embassy (in Tokyo) continues to actively monitor and address the issues and concerns of Filipinos in Japan, in line with supporting one of the pillars of Philippine foreign policy which is the protection and promotion of the welfare of overseas Filipinos," the department said in a statement.

The embassy is also working with Japanese authorities, international organizations, non-profit organizations, and Filipino community organizations in addressing the plight of Filipino victims of domestic violence and abuse.

It also assists in seeking shelters and filing the appropriate claims with the relevant authorities and if necessary, the embassy ensures that access to legal counsel is provided.

There are more than 200,000 Filipinos working and living in Japan. Most of these are employed in the entertainment and private sectors and married to Japanese nationals.

Source: Xinhua