MANILA, Philippines — In May 1987, a group of distinguished physicians began a mission of making healthcare as accessible to many Filipinos as possible. That is when MediCard was born, immediately providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to people in Metro Manila and some key provincial areas.
Today, after 35 years in the healthcare industry, the leading health maintenance organization (HMO) continues to keep up with the times and find ways to improve its services to better serve its patients.
Newest features
Throughout the years, MediCard has always looked for ways to improve its services and offerings to further satisfy the needs of its patients.
Recently, they renovated their MediCard Lifestyle Center and added a bigger wing for their dental services and eye clinic.
“Medicard Lifestyle Center’s dental clinics have been upgraded to provide more comprehensive dental services including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics,” the healthcare provider said. “Equipment such as panoramic and cephalometric X-ray machines have also been added to the facility’s dental wing.”
The eye clinic, on the other hand, can now cater to more patients with eye and vision problems, going beyond providing prescription glasses. Moreover, MediCard also has its in-house telemedicine service called Talk2Doc and its improved online app.
“These initiatives are designed to provide patients with greater convenience, access to care, and peace of mind,” Medicard president Dr. Nicky Montoya said. “Talk2Doc is a 24/7 telemedicine service that allows you to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your own home. And the upgraded mobile app provides users with better access to their healthcare needs.”
“With these new features and services, Medicard is making it easier than ever for patients to get the care they need,” he added.
For the patients
MediCard, throughout the years, has made improvements to its services. With this, they were able to help millions of Filipinos receive all treatments they needed since the HMO came to fruition in 1987.
From expanding its networks of participating doctors and hospitals to entering the age of digitization, MediCard continues its mission of bringing excellence to its services wherever they are.
“It has expanded its network of participating doctors and hospitals. This means that more patients than ever before have access to Medicard's services. The company has also introduced a number of new features, especially with digitization. These innovations have made it easier than ever for patients to receive the care they need,” Dr. Montoya explained.
“As it enters its 35th year in business, the country's leading HMO provider is poised to continue its tradition of excellence,” the amiable doctor added.
One example of its commitment to service and excellence was when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.
At the very beginning of the health crisis, MediCard was quick to respond to the needs of people who have been affected by the deadly virus.
“Our clinics remained open throughout the health crisis, providing essential medical services to those who needed them the most. We also implemented a number of safety measures to protect our staff and patients, including frequent disinfection of surfaces and ensuring that all patients used appropriate personal protective equipment,” Dr. Montoya said.
Moreover, COVID-19 testing became open for both their members and non-members, and teleservices and home care services were given for people who preferred to stay indoors.
“As a result of our efforts, we were able to provide much-needed care and support to our members during a time of great need,” he noted.
Despite the challenges given by the COVID-19 pandemic, MediCard fought through, maintaining its position as a leading HMO in the country, with digital transformation becoming a key to its success.
“We have been investing in digital channels and technologies even before the pandemic hit, and this allowed us to pivot when the need arose. Our customer service team was able to transition to working remotely with minimal disruption, and we were able to launch new services. In addition, we beefed up our telemedicine operations that allowed our members to consult with doctors online,” he explained. “As a result of these efforts, we were able to weather the storm and come out strong."
35 years and beyond
At 35, MediCard plans to further expand the help they provide, from primary care to dental and eye services.
“As one of the largest and most well-established providers of HMO in the Philippines, Medicard has a long history of good service and a track record. In recent years, the company has expanded its operations to include a wide range of health-related services, from primary care and dental and eye clinic,” Dr. Montoya said.
The HMO plans to continue its status as a leading healthcare provider for many years to come and its commitment to providing affordable healthcare to every Filipino.
“With its deep understanding of the Filipino healthcare system, Medicard is well-positioned to continue its leadership role in the years to come. The company is committed to providing quality care at an affordable price, and it has the resources and expertise to make this a reality. We can expect great things from Medicard in the years to come,” Dr. Montoya said.