The Medical City opens new Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, making quality care more accessible to Filipinos | The Medical City

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The Medical City opens new Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, making quality care more accessible to Filipinos

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | April 13, 2026

The Medical City opens new Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, making quality care more accessible to Filipinos

The Medical City formally opens its PhilHealth Ward named in honor of its late President and CEO, Dr. Alfredo R. A. Bengzon.

Pasig City, Philippines — April 13, 2026 — The Medical City (TMC) formally opened the Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, a milestone initiative honoring the enduring legacy of the late healthcare leader Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible to every Filipino.

Located on the 10th floor of The Medical City Ortigas, the ward expands access to world-class healthcare by maximizing PhilHealth benefits to help ease the cost of care. Patients can now receive quality treatment in a setting that prioritizes safety, dignity, and overall well-being, carrying forward Dr. Bengzon’s vision of bringing quality care within reach of all Filipinos.

Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward allows patients to patients to receive quality treatment in a setting that prioritizes safety, dignity, and overall well-being.


The ward features a total of 51 beds, including two isolation rooms designed to support safe and efficient patient care. It also includes nine mother and baby-friendly rooms, a tribute to Dr. Bengzon’s championing of the Philippine Milk Code, providing a nurturing environment for mothers and newborns.

Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, former president and CEO of The Medical City, former Secretary of Health, and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.


Dr. Bengzon was a respected healthcare leader and former President and CEO of The Medical City, known for advancing patient-centered care in the Philippines. A Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and former Secretary of Health, he championed reforms that significantly improved access to quality healthcare for Filipinos.

The opening ceremony was attended by leaders of The Medical City, members of the Bengzon family, and key stakeholders, including PhilHealth President Dr. Edwin Mercado. The event underscored the critical importance of public-private collaboration in advancing healthcare access across the country.

Dr. Stuart Bennett, President and Group CEO of The Medical City.


Dr. Stuart Bennett, President and Group CEO of The Medical City, expressed the institution’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and working with the government to achieve it.

“There is no distinction between the PhilHealth Ward and our other rooms. In fact, this is one of the nicest wards we currently have. What this reflects is our commitment to elevating the standard of care for every patient we serve.

We will continue to work closely with Dr. Edwin Mercado and explore innovative ways to maximize PhilHealth benefits so they reach more patients. Our goal is to make quality healthcare the starting point of every patient’s journey at The Medical City,” said Dr. Bennett.


Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, EVP and CEO of The Medical City Ortigas.


Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, EVP and CEO of TMC Ortigas, emphasized the importance of continuing the legacy of Dr. Bengzon and aligning infrastructure with patient needs.

“Today, we are not only opening a new ward, we are also paying a well-deserved tribute to the legacy of Dr. Bengzon, whose vision continues to shape how we deliver care at The Medical City. It is truly meaningful for us to honor his contributions in a way that directly benefits our patients, expand access to quality care, and making it more responsive and sustainable for patients, especially those who depend on PhilHealth,” Dr. Kasala shared.


PhilHealth President and CEO, Dr. Edwin Mercado, graced the opening of the Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward.


Dr. Edwin Mercado, PhilHealth President and CEO, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, noting its role in strengthening patient care systems and advancing universal health care in the country.

“We hope that TMC’s commitment inspires other private hospitals to follow suit in moving the needle in our collective efforts to deliver UHC in the country. I believe that the question here is not of capability, but will. The will to institutionally look at any PhilHealth members, and say ‘You belong here, too.’ Decades from now, no one will ask how many private suites The Medical City had. They will ask how many lives were changed. And today, the number grows because of the decision to put the patient first,” Dr. Mercado lauded TMC.

Representing the Bengzon family, Mrs. Margaret Bengzon shared how the initiative carries forward Dr. Bengzon’s legacy in shaping healthcare in the Philippines.


Mrs. Margaret Bengzon, daughter-in-law of the late Dr. Bengzon.


“With health as such a basic need, such a basic right, there is so much opportunity to ‘doing good.’ But, as we all know, those who have the greatest needs are also the ones with the least means… and many will say that is the work of the government. But, Dr. Bengzon believed, and I think that he’s been proven right, especially post-COVID, that the government can’t do them all. Private sectors need to step up and take up its share in addressing the inequities in our healthcare system.

We, as a family are so grateful that you immortalized Dr. Bengzon’s life ethos. I’m sure he’s using any influence he has to make sure this will be successful,” said Mrs. Bengzon.

Patients also shared personal stories during the program, highlighting the profound difference that compassionate and accessible care makes in improving lives.


Standing from left to right: Patients Regina Mae Santos and MC Reyes, and Dr. Isabel Fernandez of Akbay Ginhawa Foundation, Inc.


“The Medical City has been a huge part of our family’s life. Both my babies are delivered here. Something that we did not think was possible because we’re from a low-income family. I would like to thank The Medical City for taking us in. We would always turn to The Medical City for our family’s health because we’re assured of the quality of care that we received and now many more patients can benefit from it. Thank you to the leaders of TMC and PhilHealth,” shared MC Reyes in Filipino.

Regina, mother of the liver transplant patient at The Medical City, thanked the institution for giving his son another chance at life.

“We all know how liver transplant can be expensive, but because of PhilHealth and TMC, they were able to help us lower the cost of Clyden’s procedure... Thank you to everyone here. Now, my son is very much healthy,” Regina shared.

Guided by the vision of leaders like Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, The Medical City continues to pursue initiatives that make quality healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos. The Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward reflects this direction — one that puts patients at the center and moves healthcare closer to those who need it most.

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