DOH lauds Chong Hua’s first medical mall

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has commended the Chong Hua Hospital Group for establishing the first hospital mall in the Visayas and Mindanao, highlighting not only Cebu’s quality healthcare services but also its commitment to enhancing convenience and accessibility within a hospital setting.

“This is a significant one-step forward in our mission to provide quality healthcare for all Filipinos. This is more than just a premium healthcare center,” said DOH secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa during the formal opening of the first hospital mall in Visayas and Mindanao, the Chong Hua Medical Mall.

“This one combines top quality services clinical services with the convenience of commercial amenities, offering one-stop-shop healthcare for everyone,” added Herbosa who graced the ceremonial ribbon cutting, alongside Cebu City acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, and top officials of the Asociacion Benevola Cebu Inc.,--the group behind Chong Hua Hospital chain.

The 12-storey Chong Hua Medical Mall located along J. Llorente Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City, is a facility that integrates advanced medical services, and clinical specialties, providing commercial outlets such as restaurants, coffee shops, beauty salons, banks, pharmacies, convenience stores, among others.

According to Chong Hua Hospital president and chief executive officer (CEO) Dr. Helen Po, the establishment of the first hospital mall in Southern Philippines is patterned after the emerging trend in the developed countries providing not just accessibility to a wide range of healthcare services for patients, but also giving convenience for families accompanying the patients to essential non-medical related necessities.

The hospital mall offers a range of services, including primary care, specialist clinics, diagnostic laboratories, wellness centers, and pharmacies. Some hospital malls also extend offerings to urgent care, rehabilitation, and outpatient surgery.

At present, Chong Hua Medical Mall has a wide range of clinical specialties, including radiology, cardiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services, alongside over 300 doctors available from Monday to Saturday.

Po said that with the medical mall, patients can seamlessly navigate between consultations, diagnostics, and commercial establishments.

Owned and operated by the Asociacion Benevola Cebu Inc., led by its chairman Benito Gaisano, Chong Hua Hospital is the first medical facility that established this type of concept so far in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

According to Po, what sets Chong Hua Medical Mall apart is its focus on convenience and preventive care.

“It's not just for those who are sick, it also caters to individuals seeking health monitoring and regular check-ups. Patients can easily walk in, even without a prior doctor, as medical experts are available to attend to their needs,” Po said.

The medical mall allows those traveling from provinces or nearby islands to complete their healthcare journey within a day—consult with doctors, undergo tests with quick result releases, receive prescriptions, and return home the same day.

The "Meds-to-Go" service enhances convenience by enabling patients to call or message the pharmacy, pre-order medications, pay online, and pick them up without delay. Digital integration also plays a significant role, with diagnostic results accessible online. Patient records are seamlessly connected between Chong Hua Medical Mall and Chong Hua Hospitals, supporting advanced treatments, emergency services, and hospital admissions when needed.

Part of a broader healthcare ecosystem linked with Chong Hua Hospitals, the medical mall offers patients smooth inter-referrals among specialists, enhancing multidisciplinary care for complex health needs. This integration ensures comprehensive, coordinated, and efficient healthcare delivery.

Looking ahead, Chong Hua Medical Mall will soon offer an ambulatory surgical clinic for day surgeries and a pharmacy drive-thru, adding another layer of service and convenience for patients. Currently, the medical mall also features a laboratory drive-thru, allowing patients to undergo laboratory tests without leaving their vehicles, further enhancing accessibility and ease of access.

Chong Hua Medical Mall emphasizes comfort and safety with spacious, air-conditioned waiting areas, and a mechanical air ventilation system that delivers clean air. Accessibility is enhanced by multi-level parking that extends up to the 8th floor, complete with easy floor access, escalators up to the 4th floor, and patient assistants who guide and provide support to every visitor.

Chong Hua Medical Mall is an affiliate of Chong Hua Hospital—an ISO-accredited, leading tertiary hospital in the Philippines. Offering a wide range of diagnostic services, and specialty clinics, from Monday to Saturday, 6 AM to 9 PM.

The Clinical Laboratory is DOH licensed while the Radiology and Pharmacy have FDA (Food and Drugs Authority) licenses, as it aims to set high standards of healthcare delivery with its commitment to quality and safety.  — (FREEMAN)