SINGAPORE (LiCAS.news): The Order of Malta in Singapore has launched a Church-led health initiative providing free screenings to migrant workers who lack access to subsidised healthcare and often delay treatment until illnesses become severe, according to Catholic News SG.
The outreach addresses a gap in access to preventative care among migrant workers, many of whom fall outside national healthcare subsidies.
The Migrant Community Health Post, which opened on March 8 at Agape Village in Toa Payoh, offers screenings for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It operates on Sunday afternoons, aligning with migrant workers’ typical rest day.
John Seow, a registered nurse and programme lead, explained that while Singaporean residents receive subsidies, many migrant workers do not, and only seek help when illnesses worsen. “Our screenings aim to help migrants catch health issues before complications arise,” he said.
The pilot runs across four Sundays in March and April. On its first day, volunteers screened 37 pre-registered participants, as well as several walk-ins.
The initiative focuses on domestic workers, who are less likely to receive employer-supported health screenings. “Our outreach focuses specifically on domestic helpers, as they are less likely than those in the industrial sectors to receive employer-supported screenings,” Seow said.
For many migrants, the screenings provide access to basic health information not covered by mandatory checks. One Filipino domestic worker, Cristina De Jesus, said routine examinations required by authorities remain limited.
“These only test for pregnancy and infectious diseases like syphilis,” she said. “They do not tell me my cholesterol levels or if my blood sugar is too high.”
De Jesus, 49, said she avoided comprehensive screening for more than two decades due to fear and concerns about cost, until the death of a close friend changed her decision.
“She had gone home to the Philippines after working in Singapore for many years; there, she discovered she had cancer and died within months,” she said. “She could not enjoy her family after all her hard work; it was very sad.”
She added, “I realise that early detection and lifestyle changes are better than finding a cure when it is too late. I want to be healthy, so I can eventually return home to my daughter.”
The health post is entirely run by volunteers, including medical professionals who provide immediate results and personalised advice. Participants with concerning findings are referred to general practitioners or to HealthServe, a community clinic specialising in migrant healthcare.
While the programme does not provide treatment or medication, organisers say it serves as a bridge to further care. Future plans include expanding the service to additional parishes and incorporating vision and dental screenings, with implementation dependent on the needs identified and volunteer availability during the pilot phase.
“Expansion will depend on volunteer capacity and the needs identified during this initial phase,” Seow said. “By grounding the initiative in the community, the Order of Malta continues its mission of providing a pastoral response to the physical needs of the marginalised in Singapore.”
