Makati Life Medical Center signed a partnership with RiteMed to provide quality and affordable medicines to the public through its drug store arm, Rx Direct Inc.
“Our thrust and commitment is to make sure that everyone has access to quality medicine. We want to break the stigma that hospital pharmacies are only for hospital patients; our products are for everyone who needs them, including those in the community,” Rx Direct president Cherry Sta. Ana said.
RiteMed Philippines president Jose Maria Ochave said the use of the latest and appropriate technology is crucial if the Universal Healthcare Program is to succeed.
He welcomed Makati Life and Rx Direct’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and using technology to achieve this purpose.
Makati Life, a flagship public-private partnership (PPP) with Makati City, under the leadership of Mayor Abigail Binay, provides high-quality, technology-driven healthcare, extending its services not only to “Makatizens” but also to neighboring communities.
With free access to yellow card holders for outpatient services, consultations, diagnostics and pharmacy services 24/7, Makati Life is making quality healthcare more accessible to all.
“The missing link in providing complete healthcare benefits is affordable quality medicines. We want to bridge that gap by providing affordable yet high-quality medicine to patients through RiteMed,” Makati Life senior vice president and chief marketing officer Jo Aguilar said.
Technology-driven
Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana, Makati Life president and chief executive noted the importance of integrating technology and AI in healthcare.
“We have all of these things, but we have affordable pricing, and the way we treat people is of the highest quality,” Sta Ana said.
Aside from Makatizens, Makati Life is also welcoming residents of other local government units (LGUs) for affordable consultations and other healthcare needs.
“Generic doesn’t mean low-quality; this is what we can assure. Before the LGU agrees to these partnerships, it has to be affordable, it has to be effective,” he said.
Makati Life introduced a 24/7 call center that ensures individuals can access medical guidance and support anytime, reinforcing its commitment to responsive and accessible care.
Patients can conveniently schedule appointments, with the medical center embracing a patient-centric approach that values their time and prioritizes personalized care.
The integration of AI technology, exemplified by the cutting-edge BeneVision Central Monitoring System, ensures that all facilities operate seamlessly, enhancing the overall patient experience.
“Makati Life’s facilities are designed to be friendly to individuals with special needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their unique requirements, can access high-quality healthcare and medicine,” Cherry Sta. Ana said.
The medical center has a team of 460 doctors and specialists equipped with best-in-class facilities and supported by state-of-the-art equipment, including the country’s first AI-powered PET scan.
Makati Life is also committed to the welfare of its healthcare professionals. The center recognizes the invaluable contributions of nurses and doctors, ensuring their well-being and professional growth. This holistic approach not only guarantees the highest standards of medical care but also fosters a culture of compassion and excellence within the healthcare team.
Ochave said Makati Life is paving the way toward a meaningful partnership between the LGUs and the private sector in achieving the objectives of the Universal Healthcare Program.
“With the government providing various healthcare financing models, the ball is now in the court of the private sector. They need to show that they are truly committed to providing efficient, quality and equitable healthcare to every Filipino,” he said.
The PPP between Makati Life and the Makati City government serves as a pioneering model for other LGUs to collaborate with private healthcare providers and pharmacies in offering unparalleled assistance to Filipinos.