They come from Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, even as far Mumbai. High rollers from Asia’s top capitals, who just happen to have contracted an ailment of some sort,. And they don’t feel like shelling out a fortune for medical treatment in the United States, or Europe.
They love going to Manila, where capable, good doctors abound, and some of the best nurses provide the Philippine signature warmth and care. Welcome to the wide, wonderful world of medical tourism, Philippine-style. But for this industry to take off, world-class medical facilities will have to come into play.
Enter Century Properties, which recently kicked off its new venture—the Centuria Medical Makati.
Centuria Medical Makati is a 28-storey medical arts center that will house more than 500 clinics to serve doctors of various medical expertise, medical tourists and local patients. The property envisions a spacious lobby and warmly lit, homey surroundings—a departure from the impersonal ambience of traditional clinics.
The infrastructure will dedicate floors for medical support facilities including a hospital-grade day surgery center, recovery suites, radiology center, pharmacy and diagnostic laboratory to be run by Hi-Precision Diagnostics.
GE Healthcare will provide consultancy for Centuria Medical Makati’s day surgery infrastructure. GE is globally recognized not just for its medical equipment and healthcare solutions, but also for its extensive medical infrastructure consultancy services.
Bullish prospects
The concept of an outpatient IT-medical center began with Century Properties Executive Chairman of the Board Jose E.B. Antonio, who wanted to maximize the country’s untapped potential as a medical tourism destination.
“We’re very bullish about the prospects of medical tourism in the Philippines considering that the cost of treatments here is one-third of what you would pay in the United States,” Antonio said at a recent investment forum.
“The only thing we need to provide in order to serve this growing market are the facilities. This world-class medical arts building in the Philippines is going to be the first of its kind–our contribution to help push medical tourism,” he said.
Centuria Medical Makati is now on its final stages. It will be turned over to clinic space owners by the end of 2014.
The facility is located in the heart of Makati, across the new Century City Mall. The location guarantees access to and from offices, major banking establishments, residential communities, and top hotels.
Centuria’s medical concierge service will assist in consultation scheduling, shuttle and hotel bookings, as well as flight arrangements for clients who want to tour the Philippines. Parking space and valet services will be provided. An ambulance service will also be available.
Source: Manila Standard Today | October 18, 2014
