PBBM, PhilHealth Chief Visit The Medical City to See Expanded Benefits in Action
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and PhilHealth President Dr. Edwin Mercado's visit at The Medical City highlights how expanded PhilHealth benefits are improving Filipino patients’ access to quality emergency and maternal healthcare services.
PASIG CITY, Philippines – 11 May 2026 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Mercado visited The Medical City (TMC) today to personally see how expanded PhilHealth benefits are helping Filipino patients access healthcare services.
The visit highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen healthcare accessibility through enhanced PhilHealth coverage, including the expanded maternity care package and outpatient emergency care benefits.
The delegation was welcomed by The Medical City President and Group CEO Dr. Stuart Bennett, who led the walkthrough of the hospital’s Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward and its state-of-the-art Emergency Department. The visit provided officials with an on-the-ground view of how PhilHealth-supported services are being delivered to patients.
Ms. Percy Aiggie S. Lauria, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, Executive Vice President and CEO of The Medical City Ortigas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Dr. Edwin Mercado, PhilHealth President and CEO, and Dr. Stuart Bennett, Group CEO and President of The Medical City with TMC Nurses
During the walkthrough, President Marcos and Dr. Mercado met with patients and their families who shared how their PhilHealth membership helped ease the financial burden of hospitalization and medical care.
“The Medical City remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare for Filipinos,” said Dr. Bennett. “Through strengthened partnerships with PhilHealth and the government, we are able to extend meaningful healthcare support to more patients and families.”
Officials also discussed how expanded PhilHealth benefits are helping improve patient access to essential services, particularly for emergency care and maternal health, two critical areas in ensuring better healthcare outcomes for Filipinos.
Dr. Kasala, Dr. Mercado, President Marcos, Dr. Bennett, and Ms. Lauria touring the Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward
The Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward was established to provide accessible, quality healthcare services to patients while promoting a more inclusive healthcare experience.
Dr. Bennett, President Marcos, and Dr. Mercado at TMC's Emergency Department
Meanwhile, The Medical City’s Emergency Department continues to provide advanced and comprehensive emergency care supported by modern facilities and specialized medical teams, internationally-accredited by the Joint Commission International.
The visit reflects the shared commitment of the government, PhilHealth, and healthcare institutions to making quality healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
About The Medical City
The Medical City is the Philippines’ largest integrated healthcare network operating under a single brand. It is composed of one flagship complex in Ortigas, five provincial hospitals in Clark, South Luzon (Laguna), Iloilo, and Pangasinan, the only private hospital in Guam, USA, and over 70 clinics nationwide, serving patients across the country.
With multiple Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditations, global benchmark certifications, and continued investment in innovation, The Medical City is building a healthcare system not just for today, but for the future of Filipino care.
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