Trends in the medical repatriation of Filipino seafarers: a ten year study of a Philippine maritime shipping company (OSM Maritime).

BACKGROUND

Seafarers, confronted with unique health challenges, occasionally necessitate medical repatriation. This study examines the trends in medical repatriation cases among Filipino seafarers employed by OSM Maritime shipping company over a 10-year period from 2013 to 2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of OSM Maritime seafarers were reviewed, obtaining causes for and dates of medical repatriation. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was utilised to classify repatriation cases. Proportion of repatriation cases were calculated and their annual trends were analysed.

RESULTS

Our findings reveal that the majority of repatriation cases are attributed to injury/trauma (19.91%), musculoskeletal (18.40%), gastrointestinal (16.56%), cardiovascular (8.77%), infectious (6.82%), and genitourinary conditions (5.30%). Significantly, the study identifies a declining trend in the proportion of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary conditions in annual repatriation cases, particularly in ischaemic heart conditions, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and urinary calculus.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the critical need for multisectoral collaboration to enhance seafarers' health and well-being. Prioritizing comprehensive care programmes, ensuring safe working conditions, and exploring holistic healthcare initiatives are essential steps to enhance seafarers' occupational health.