EXPERIENCE: My IOM Manila Health Center Experience - updated 2/28/2016

Hello! 
I have been on a hiatus again for 30 years. I feel so guilty for not updating my blog :( 

This blog entry is going to be different because I'll be talking about my experience at IOM Manila Health Center. This is a first for me so please bear with me if I would have lapses or might have missed something in explaining some details. 

Years ago my mom decided to look for greener pastures in Canada and she finally got the chance to apply for a permanent residency. My family and got a letter around March 2014 saying that we had to undergo an immigration medical examination. 

According to the letter we have received THROUGH EMAIL, we have to visit the panel physicians and have the medical examination within 60 days upon receiving the email. JEEZ!
That was the reason why I was so busy these past few weeks. 


I'll share some stuff that you must and must not do before, during and after the medical examination. I hope these information could also help out others there. 




Remember:
Only a panel physician authorized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada can do the immigration medical examination.

Since I live in Pasig, I only had three options. These were:

1. St Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita 

2. St. Luke's Medical Center, 10th Floor, Room 1002, Medical Arts Bldg, Bonifacio Global City, Rizal Drive, Taguig City 1634

3. IOM Manila Health Center, 15th Floor, Units A&B Trafalgar Plaza,
105 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, 1227


We decided to go to IOM Manila Health Center. These are their contact numbers: 

•  E-mail address: mhc.can@iom.int 
• Smart mobile: +(63 2) 0919 993 4667 
• Globe mobile: 0917 593 4688
• Fax number: +(63 2) 883-9377
• Landline numbers:  +(63 2) 883-9333/ +(63 2) 511-8770 

You have to make an appointment by calling them or sending them an email. We had a problem trying to contact them through their phone and cellphone number. Either the lines are always busy. We had to make an appointment through email. A series of calls and text messages were made to fix our schedule. 

We got a reply and they sent a confirmation about our appointment. 

NOTE: Kindly PRINT the confirmation email that IOM sent you and please bring it with you on the day of your schedule. 

Here's the story why: 
The staff who scheduled us FORGOT to put our names in the LIST! We were already at 6:30 am so that we can get a priority number and finish early.  The clinic officially opens at 8am but the guard already gives priority numbers as early as 6:30 am. But since our names WERE NOT ON THE LIST, the guard told us to wait until a staff arrives to confirm our schedule. We had to wait until a staff arrives. At 7:45 am, we were able to get a number BUT it was already number 23! We were supposed the number 5. Argh! It was really such a hassle.  



BEFORE you go to IOM Manila Health Center, make sure you have prepared the following:  

1. PASSPORT - This is a MUST. No PASSPORT, no medical. 
2. IMM1017 - This is the MEDICAL REPORT Client Date and Summary. -> This is a document sent through email by the Citizen and Immigration Canada. This is also a MUST. 
3. Any government issued ID. In our case, we brought our NBI Clearance, PRC IDs, school IDs, and Driver's license. IOM just needs one but we just brought these just in case they would look for other IDs. 
4. Five (5) Passport-sized photos (WHITE BACKGROUND). - This is also a MUST.

IOM logo 

Our schedule was April 1 and here's what happened throughout the day. 

6:30 -  We arrived there to get our PRIORITY number but ALAS! Our name was not on the list! We haven't brought a printed copy so we didn't have any proof to show the guard that we are scheduled for that day. :( 

IOM Manila is located at Trafalgar Plaza - 15th floor to be exact. As soon as you get off the elevator, this is what you will see. 

6:30-7:30 - My family and I ate breakfast. 

7:45 - We got our priority number and we waited inside. There are two reception areas once you get inside. The one near the door is the reception area for those who will take the medical examinations for United Kingdom. Proceed the other reception area. 

10:30 - Finally, our number was called. Bring your own pen because you will have to sign a lot of documents.

12:30- My dad, 3 sisters, 2 brother, 1 nephew and I are done for the medical check up! Finally :)

Here's another TIP: They are closed for lunch break at around 1-2pm so make sure you come early. 

The staff were really nice. The guard was also accommodating. They have 2 water dispensers inside and the wash room is just outside the clinic. 

There were a lot of people at the day of our appointment so the place was a bit warm. :(


Overall, the experience was fine. Didn't have any problems. :) 



Updated: Here are some stuff you might want to know: 
1. How much is the fee for the MEDICAL CHECK-UP?
- Ages 0-10 yrs. old - PhP 2,000
Ages 11-14 yrs. old - PhP 2,500
Ages 15 up/ Adults  - PhP 7,500* (Updated price)

2. Are there any other fees that I have to pay?
-There may be other tests that the physician will require you depends on your current health condition. My dad was taking medications for his high blood pressure so the doctor ordered a 'creatinine test' which costs us around PhP 1,700 (I am not pretty sure with the amount). So I suggest that you bring some extra money. To be honest, their laboratory tests at IOM cost a bit higher compared to other clinics or laboratory.