DUBAI, 11 December 2006 — Two Filipino maids staying at temporary shelter maintained by the government agencies in Dubai have been found to be infected with sexual transmitted disease and Hepatitis type B.

The two were diagnosed by members of the Filipino Health Care Providers group (FHCP) in Dubai during a medical mission conducted at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (POLO-OWWA) office.

Health workers suspected that both women may have contracted the diseases from their former employers.

But the women denied having had sexual relationship with anyone, or being raped.

Isabel Serrano, one of the victims said, “We have been forced to eat food not familiar to our taste and oftentimes we would share certain foods with the rest of the other household helpers and driver from other countries.”

Volunteer health professionals said many of distressed Filipino workers they have examined suffered from common cold and cough or upper respiratory infections, hyperacidity, and insomnia.

POLO officials said there are currently around 90 distressed workers at the center. They are from Dubai and the northern emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujeirah.

Only 56, however, agreed to be examined by doctors during the medical mission.

Dental and eye and examinations, blood and sugar tests, and blood pressures were taken among those who submitted themselves for check up. They were also given free medicine and vitamins.

Newly designated Labor Attaché Viginia Calvez said her office is giving priority in repatriating those who need special medical treatment.

Calvez commended the medical professionals of FHCP for volunteering their services for the center. “We are encouraging more Filipino doctors and nurses to come and have a look on the medical conditions of the OFWs here in the center as they have no immediate access to medical care from the time they had escaped from their employers,” she said.

Dr. Rosario Tigno, president of the FHCP, said the group has decided to conduct a medical mission at the POLO-OWWA shelter every first Friday of the month.