The maritime industry is vital to global trade, with seafarers serving as its backbone. However, their unique working conditions expose them to various health risks, sometimes necessitating medical repatriation—the return of seafarers to their home countries for medical reasons. This process can disrupt their careers and impose financial and emotional burdens on both the individuals and maritime companies. It also affects the remaining crew and operational planning, creating additional challenges for shore employees due to urgent hiring needs.
A significant contributor to the seafarer workforce is the Philippines, providing about 20% of global seafarers. The analysis of medical repatriation patterns in this context can yield insights into the health challenges faced by seafarers. A notable case study is a major Philippine shipping company that implemented a holistic healthcare program in 2018, aiming to reduce medical repatriation rates. This study examines repatriation cases of Filipino seafarers employed by the company from 2013 to 2022, focusing on the causes and patterns of these cases.
Over the 10-year period, 924 medical repatriation cases were analyzed. The highest incidence was attributed to injuries (184 cases, 19.91%) and musculoskeletal conditions (170 cases, 18.40%). Other significant conditions include gastrointestinal (153 cases), cardiovascular (81 cases), infectious (63 cases), and genitourinary (49 cases) ailments.
Emergency and traumas were prevalent, with hand injuries leading among injury cases (52). Musculoskeletal ailments were dominated by low back pain, while cardiovascular issues were mostly related to hypertension. Gastrointestinal cases prominently featured acute appendicitis. COVID-19 also emerged as a significant factor for infectious disease-related repatriations, particularly after its appearance in 2020.
The study incorporated a comprehensive analysis of the repatriation dynamics, exploring trends in rates across various organ systems. A declining trend in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal cases was observed, while infectious disease rates increased. This decline is believed to be linked to the company’s holistic healthcare program, which emphasizes comprehensive patient care and preventive screenings.
The holistic health initiatives included an online application for health management, individual consultations with medical professionals, and educational resources aimed at promoting better lifestyle choices among seafarers. These measures have the potential to reduce incidence rates of preventable conditions through proactive health management.
In conclusion, injuries and musculoskeletal conditions currently represent significant frequent causes of medical repatriation among Filipino seafarers. Alongside the effective implementation of holistic healthcare programs, there’s a pressing need for multisectoral collaboration to enhance the well-being of seafarers. By investing in their health and work conditions, the sustainability of the maritime industry can be improved, directly benefiting the workforce’s overall well-being. Further research into effective interventions is crucial for continuing to enhance the health outcomes of these essential maritime professionals.
