Centuria Medical Makati aims to be at forefront of medical tourism boom

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s natural beauty and the highly acclaimed hospitality of its people have been luring foreign tourists, drawing in record numbers this year. But aside from the pristine white beaches and amazing landscapes, a growing number of foreigners are also visiting the Philippines mainly for another reason: to avail of more affordable medical procedures, chiefly dermatological and dental care administered by the country’s top doctors.

To them, the Philippines possesses a strong cost advantage compared to its neighbors what with its relatively affordable rates. And not only are Filipino nurses and doctors highly professional, they also know how to speak English well and are known for their very caring approach to treatment, also known in common lingo as “malasakit.”

While medical facilities in the country have shown vast improvement over the years, there remains a lack for a building that exclusively houses professional medical offices wherein one gets a procedure without the need for being admitted or required to stay for days.

To get different out-patient procedures accomplished, for example, one has to travel from one location to another.

All that is about to change, though.

Century Properties Group Inc., which has made a name for itself in the high-end residential segment of the market and international brand partnerships, is bringing its expertise in property development and management to Centuria Medical Makati, a building that houses modern facilities and specialties under one roof and that offers professional care in a hotel-like environment.

“We believe that medical tourism will play an important role in helping increase our foreign tourist arrivals in the country in the coming years,” said Century Properties president and CEO Jose E. B. Antonio.

Centuria Medical Makati, which is located at the property developer’s flagship community Century City, recently had its topping off ceremony. The building is expected to be completed by December 2014.

The state-of-the-art medical arts building will house clinics that will cater to general medicine; multi-specialty practice; aesthetics/cosmetic surgery; dermatology; ear, nose and throat (ENT); ophthalmology; cardiology; oncology; neurology; psychiatry; obstetrics and gynecology; fertility; pediatrics; general surgery; orthopedics; urology; dentistry/orthodontics; anti-aging; geriatric medicine; pain care management; and wellness and complementary medicine, among others.

Centuria Medical Makati, which is a partnership with GE Healthcare, will also have healthcare facilities like the day surgery center, diagnostic laboratory, digital imaging, pharmacy, and recovery suites.  It will also have ambulance transfer services.

The building will likewise offer medical concierge services and ample parking space with valet. Its location within Century City likewise provides its accessibility to a shopping mall, cafes, and restaurants.

“With sound medical infrastructures and facilities in place, it would be easier for the country to position itself as the next big thing in medical tourism,” Antonio concluded.