Order of Malta Launches Health Screenings for Migrant Workers
A volunteer from the Order of Malta, Singapore performing a blood test for Ms Cristina De Jesus (L) at the Caritas Agape Village on March 8. Photo: Catholic News.
On March 8, the Order of Malta, Singapore launched a pilot project at the Caritas Agape Village in Toa Payoh to conduct health screenings for migrant workers who do not have access to subsidised healthcare.
Operating on Sunday afternoons to coincide with a migrant worker’s typical rest day, the Migrant Community Health Post focuses on the early detection of chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Serving the poor
Mr John Seow, 36, Order of Malta, Singapore member and programme lead, said the initiative is rooted in the Order’s centuries-old tradition of serving the sick and the poor.
“While Singaporean residents benefit from healthcare subsidies, many migrant workers do not, and seek medical help only when their illnesses become severe,” said Mr Seow, who is himself a registered nurse. “By providing screenings, we hope to help migrants identify potential health issues before complications arise.”
The pilot project will take place over four Sundays in March and April 2026. On the first day, volunteers screened 37 migrants who had pre-registered in addition to several walk-ins.
Don’t wait till it’s too late
Last Sunday, Filipino domestic helper Cristina De Jesus was first in line at 2pm after travelling from her employer’s home in Bartley. Like others in the queue, she decided to use her day off to get a clearer picture of her physical health.
While her employer takes her for the six-monthly physical examination mandated by the Ministry of Manpower, the checks are limited in scope, she said.
“These only test for pregnancy and infectious diseases like syphilis,” explained Ms De Jesus, 49. “They do not tell me my cholesterol levels or if my blood sugar is too high.”
She added that her former employer, a retired nurse, had been encouraging her to undergo a comprehensive health screening.
“I’ve avoided it for over 20 years as I was afraid to know the truth about my health and the cost that could come with it,” said Ms De Jesus, but the death of a close friend from late-stage cancer changed her mind.
“She had gone home to the Philippines after working in Singapore for many years; there, she discovered she had cancer and died within months,” said Ms De Jesus. “She could not enjoy her family after all her hard work; it was very sad.”
“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,” she said.
After 15 minutes, Ms De Jesus left the station with a smile. Her blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels were in the normal range, and she was advised to maintain her active lifestyle and balanced diet.
Volunteers in action
The health post, run entirely by volunteers, includes professionals who conduct health screenings and offer advice to the beneficiaries, alongside non-medical volunteers who handle registration, logistics, and hospitality.
The service is open to all migrant workers aged 35 and above holding a valid work permit in Singapore.
“Our outreach focuses specifically on domestic helpers, as they are less likely than those in the industrial sectors to receive employer-supported screenings,” said Mr Seow.
To reach this segment of the population, volunteers distributed flyers in Toa Payoh Central, while the Order worked with the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI) to encourage migrant workers at ACMI-run classes to attend the screenings.
Immediate results
Because test results are ready within minutes, volunteers can provide personalised lifestyle advice for each individual.
Mr Seow added that while the Health Post does not provide on-site medical treatment or medication, it serves as a vital bridge to further care.
“Participants with concerning results will be advised to follow up with their general practitioner or are referred to HealthServe, a community clinic in Geylang specialising in migrant healthcare,” he said.
Future mobile services
The Order hopes this pilot will pave the way for a regular mobile health screening service. Plans include rotating the Migrant Community Health Post across different parishes to reach more workers, and collaborating with partners to offer vision or dental screenings.
“Expansion will depend on volunteer capacity and the needs identified during this initial phase,” said Mr Seow. “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.”
This service is open to all migrant workers, to register, visit https://bit.ly/smom-mchp
Source and credits: https://catholicnews.sg
