Makati Life Medical Center wins at 2025 Healthcare Asia Awards
CELEBRATING THEIR WORLD-CLASS MODEL Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana (third from left), president and CEO of Makati Life Medical Center (MLMC), and Dr. Alejandro R. Prieto (fourth from left), chairman and CEO, receive top honors on behalf of MLMC as “Integrated Healthcare Provider of the Year” at the 2025 Healthcare Asia Awards in Malaysia. Also in photo are (from left) Dr. Jonas Subido, MLMCSVP for Professional Management Office; Cherry Sta. Ana; Josephine Aguilar, SVP and chief marketing officer; and Lawrence Sibayan, chief of staff and VP for marketing and business development.
MANILA, Philippines — Makati Life Medical Center (MLMC), the first tertiary public-private partnership (PPP) hospital in the Philippines, earned top honors as “Integrated Healthcare Provider of the Year” at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025 in Malaysia over the weekend.
Presented by Singapore-based Charlton Media Group’s Healthcare Asia Magazine, the award honors MLMC for its unprecedented integration of a comprehensive primary care system within a hospital setting and its pioneering PPP with the city government of Makati.
The Healthcare Asia Awards recognize health-care providers and projects that demonstrate exceptional innovation, leadership, and commitment to improving patient care and advancing medical science. In addition to the Philippines, countries like India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia have previously received Healthcare Asia Awards.
MLMC’s groundbreaking care model combines private sector efficiency with public sector accessibility. Since the opening of Makati Life’s Primary Care Center in May last year, tens of thousands of patients have received consultations, diagnostics (including laboratory and imaging procedures), treatment (such as outpatient surgeries), specialty care, and follow-up services—all under one roof, often during a single visit.
With over 800 patients served daily, 70 percent of whom are seen through structured appointment systems, the hospital has significantly reduced waiting times and improved care coordination.
Patients not segmented
Under its agreement with the city government of Makati, Life Nurture Inc., the private operator of MLMC, invested up to P10 billion to complete, equip and operate the hospital, while the city provided the hospital shell and the lot.
The partnership model ensures that care is not segmented by economic class. Patients with Makati’s Yellow Card, private payors, and those with health insurance or HMO coverage all receive the same level of high-quality service, access to advanced equipment, and care from experienced physicians and specialists.
“Everyone receives the same dignity in care, no matter how they pay. We don’t draw lines between government-sponsored and private patients,” said Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana, president and CEO of Makati Life Medical Center.
“This model proves that it’s possible to build a health-care system that is both inclusive and world-class,” Dr. Sta. Ana added.
‘Health-care movement’
MLMC is designed as a digital-first smart hospital, aiming for HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) certification. With AI-driven ICU monitoring, a 24/7 outpatient department, electronic medical records, and real-time appointment scheduling, it is setting new standards for digital health care.
HIMSS is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care through effective use of information technology and management systems.
MLMC also introduced a “Human Experience” model that enhances both patient care and staff well-being through better working conditions, rest facilities and professional development opportunities.
The hospital is set to have a full launching this year, along with specialized centers for surgery, cancer, heart and critical care. These advancements will provide services like robotic surgery and linear accelerators for cancer treatment to more Filipinos.
Recognized by the Healthcare Asia Awards for its holistic, scalable and inclusive care model, MLMC is helping shape the future of health care in the Philippines.
“This isn’t just a hospital—it’s a health-care movement,” Dr. Sta. Ana said. “Makati Life is a model for what Philippine health care can become: inclusive, innovative and deeply human.” —Contributed
