Metro Pacific ramps up hospital expansion

TOKYO — Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is ramping up efforts to expand its hospital operations, aiming to nearly double its network to 40 within two years, or by 2025.

MPIC’s subsidiary, Metro Pacific Health (MPH), is also exploring the possibility of launching floating hospitals to deliver medical services in hard-to-reach areas.

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer of MPIC, said the company is planning to expand its presence in regional areas. The company expects to acquire two more hospitals by the end of this year or early 2024.

The addition of these two medium-sized hospitals will elevate the company’s network to 25. MPIC plans to acquire 15 more hospitals in 2024 and 2025.

“Our boss, MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) wants to accelerate the hospital group’s expansion.  MVP’s target is 40 in the next two years,” Revilla said.

MPH, the country’s leading private hospital network, recently acquired a 60.88 percent stake in Lucena United Doctors Inc., the owner and operator of Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center (LUDHMC).

LUDHMC is the 23rd hospital in the MPH network and the fifth hospital in Southern Luzon, following recent investments in Antipolo Doctors Hospital in Rizal, Medical Center Imus in Cavite, and the Calamba Medical Center and Los Baños Doctors Hospital in Laguna.

Revilla mentioned that the planned floating hospitals could move from island to island, treating patients.

She said MPH is also exploring the construction of modular hospitals to accommodate surges in patients during crises such as natural disasters and pandemics.

Modular hospitals could serve as backup locations to provide healthcare services in response to urgent demands or needs.

“We’re exploring innovative ideas, contemplating the establishment of new hospitals in areas currently underserved,” she said.

Under the leadership of Pangilinan, MPH’s mission since 2007 has been to invest in transforming healthcare in the country, with the goal of providing Filipinos access to quality and affordable treatments.