Question & AnswerQ&A (BLR BUREAU CIRCULAR No. 5)
The purpose is to have a uniform medical examination rating system among accredited medical clinics and hospitals to evaluate the fitness of overseas contract workers and seafarers for employment.
It is governed under Administrative Order No. 85-A, series 1990, specifically Article 8.9 on the Rules and Regulations Governing Accreditation of Medical Clinics and Hospitals and the Conduct of Medical Examination of Overseas Contract Workers and Seafarers.
The classifications are Class A (Physically Fit), Class B (Physically fit but with minor ailments/conditions curable within a short period of time), Class C (With abnormal findings generally not acceptable for employment), Class D (Unemployable), and Pending (cases under further evaluation).
Class B indicates that the worker is physically fit but has minor ailments or conditions that are curable within a short period of time and will not adversely affect the worker's efficiency.
A Class C rating means the worker has abnormal findings generally not acceptable for employment, implying possible disqualification.
Pending cases are those equivocal as to classification and are undergoing further evaluation. After a certain period of time, these cases will be reclassified as either fit or unfit for employment.
The system took effect immediately upon its adoption on November 29, 1990.
The system was approved and signed by Dr. Zenaida R. Dela Fuente, Director, and Dr. Tomas P. Maramba Jr., Undersecretary of Health for Standards and Regulation.
Accredited medical clinics and hospitals are required to follow this uniform medical examination rating system when evaluating the fitness of overseas contract workers and seafarers.
The full text is available upon request at the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), University of the Philippines Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.