OFW upset over repeated medical tests

Teddy Buhat applied at Eureka Personnel Management Services, Inc. also known as Eureka General Services on January 8, 2011. He traveled from Iloilo City to Manila when he was informed that he was selected as a pipe fitter in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

He was interviewed and submitted himself to a medical examination. The medical clinic endorsed by Eureka reported that Buhat has an eye disorder. He sought the assistance of the Philippine General Hospital which did not find anything wrong with his eye and provided him a fit-to-work recommendation.

Buhat paid more than P10,000 for the processing fee and medical test. He was told he was to be deployed the following month, February. To his dismay, Eureka Agency told him the Saudi Embassy had run out of visas. When he demanded official receipts of the payments he made, as well as a copy of the employment contract, Eureka Agency allegedly replied that they do not issue any receipt or indenture. The only thing he got was a certification of attendance in a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar.

Buhat returned to Iloilo City last May 2011. He received a text message from Eureka requiring him to undergo another medical test, saying his medical previous results had expired. He again took another medical exam last June 6. Again, the medical clinic suggested by Eureka informed there were discrepancies in his X-ray and advised him to take another test.

Exasperated, Buhat withdrew his application from the agency and appealed to Bantay OCW at Radyo Inquirer for assistance for the possible reimbursement of his payments for the processing of documents.

Susan Andes, aka Susan K is on board at RADYO INQUIRER 990 DZIQ AM, Monday to Friday, 7:00-8: 30 p.m.

(Audio/video live streaming: www.dziq.am); and at NBN Channel 4, Monday to Friday 10:10 p.m.-11:10 p.m. (Live streaming: www.ptni.tv). Contact Bantay OCW Foundation Operations Center: 631 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

Hotlines: 5357209/8819423/0919.214.0699

E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]