How to Prepare for a Pre-Employment Medical Exam
Pre-employment medical exam is required by most employers to determine if an OFW is qualified and fit for the hardships of overseas jobs. Usually, a pre-employment medical exam is requested from an OFW to be done at least three months prior to departure. This will give enough time for the OFW to accomplish all medical requirements and be cleared to leave the country to work abroad.
Pre-employment medical exam may include physical exams and laboratory tests. Doctors also ask OFWs to answer a questionnaire regarding their medical history. Sometimes, they tend to fill up the form while interviewing the OFW. In such cases, OFWs should be honest in answering all questions for lying may give consequences in the future.
To ensure passing, OFWs should do this before and on the day of the medical exam.
- OFWs should come early to the accredited clinic because some applied a first come first serve basis rule. Coming early will make you finish the exam early too. Unless there would be unexpected problems.
- If possible, OFWs should schedule their exam when they would be relaxed so it won’t affect the BP and pulse readings.
- OFWs should wear modest, supportive underwear.
- If ever a fitness test is required, OFWs can wear appropriate exercise clothing and shoes he’ll be comfortable with.
- Avoid smoking for 24 hours before the medical exam. This will ensure that OFWs will perform better if ever a lung function test is to be done.
- OFW should take a good night sleep before the examination to ensure that you are completely rested.
- Avoid listening to loud music, especially if you listen with your headphones. Such practice will make an OFW have temporary hearing difficulties that could lead to not passing the medical exam.
- Do not drink coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks at least 8 to 12 hours before your examination.
- OFWs should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and eating fatty foods a week or more before the examination schedule because these may cause a rise in the liver function tests once required.
- Limit salt intake like canned goods and preserved foods at least 48 hours before the exam.
- OFWs should also avoid doing exercise or physical activities that would be vey exhausting a day or two before the exam for this can be raise some laboratory results.
OFWs must remember that it is important not to stress themselves over these pre-employment medical exams because the result will never be in their control. OFWs should just maintain a positive outlook and to follow the guides given to be well-prepared.