MLMC is setting new standards for the Philippines to introduce inclusive, accessible healthcare.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – In the field of competition among healthcare innovators in the Philippines and the region, Makati Living Medical Center (MLMC) has received the highest honor among the integrated healthcare provider of the year – the Philippines received the 2025 Healthcare Awards at the Healthcare Asia Awards Ceremony. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the City of Makati, which integrates the efficiency of the private sector with accessibility of the public sector.
Comprehensive Nursing Model
At the heart of MLMC’s recognition is its pioneering model of care that seamlessly integrates primary care services in a hospital setting. This means that patients no longer need to drive disconnected clinics, diagnostic centers and professional providers. At Makati Life, a visit connects patients with consultation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care – all under one roof and usually one visit.
This comprehensive approach has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of patients since the opening of the primary care center in MLMC in May 2023. More than 800 patients are served every day, 70% of whom are seen through a structured appointment system, and hospitals have greatly reduced waiting time and improved nursing coordination. Services include general consultation, laboratory and imaging procedures, and outpatient surgery.
Bridge public and private: The power of PPP
A public-private partnership with the Makati city government makes life unique in Makati. Under the agreement, Life Nurture Inc., a private operator of MLMC, invested in PHP10B to complete, equip and operate the hospital, while the city provides the hospital's shell and land.
This partnership model does not segment care by economic class. Makati's yellow cards, private payers, and patients with health insurance or HMO coverage can all provide the same level of high-quality service, use the same advanced equipment, and be seen by the same pool of experienced physicians and experts.
“We don't draw a line between government-sponsored and private patients. No matter how they pay, everyone gets the same dignity,” said Dr. Dennis Sta, president and CEO of Makati Life Medical Center. “This model proves that healthcare systems that are both inclusive and world-class can be built.
Set up a blueprint for the future
In addition to infrastructure, MLMC aims to be a digitally-first smart hospital with the goal of HIMSS certification. From ICU’s AI support monitoring to 24/7 outpatient departments, from electronic medical records to real-time dating programs, hospitals are providing new standards for digital health care.
The hospital also introduced a “human experience” model that redefines the well-being of patient care and caregivers, a program that supports nurses, doctors and hospital staff through better working conditions, rest facilities and professional development.
MLMC will launch hospital services in 2025 with flagship centers in surgery, cancer, heart and intensive care – providing advanced services to more Filipinos, such as robotic surgery and linear accelerators for cancer treatment.
Victory for all Filipinos
The Healthcare Asia Awards, which celebrates the best hospitals and medical facilities in the region, recognizes the Makati Life Medical Center with its holistic, scalable and inclusive care model. By fully integrating primary care into the hospital framework and making the system available to both government sponsored and private patients, MLMC is shaping the future of health care in the Philippines.
“It’s not just a hospital, but a medical exercise,” Dr. Sta. Anna came to the conclusion. “Makati Life is the model that Filipino healthcare can be: inclusive, innovative and profound human beings.”
The Asian Healthcare Award is presented by Healthcare Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 Awards Ceremony and are praised for your organization's outstanding initiatives and contributions to the healthcare industry, please contact JulieAnne Nuñez [email protected].
