Ayala unit allots P2 B for 1st cancer hospital

MANILA, Philippines — Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) is pouring in P2 billion to build the country’s first cancer speciality hospital. 

The project is envisioned to be a fully integrated, 100-bed facility located in Metro Manila, with the goal of providing comprehensive high-quality cancer care services but at more affordable prices, said Ayala Corp. president and chief operating officer and AC Health chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

He said there is a need to address the prevailing gaps in screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the Philippines. 

“Cancer is now the third leading cause of death in the Philippines, and unfortunately, we struggle with poor outcomes. A key pillar of our advocacy is screening and early detection so that we can diagnose patients earlier, and provide them with more affordable high-quality cancer care,” he said.

The development of the cancer hospital comes after the recent passage of the Cancer Control Act (RA11225), that  allows for the creation of cancer specialty hospitals and clinics by the private sector. The law expands cancer education and screening efforts as well as PhilHealth benefits for cancer patients.

AC Health president and chief executive officer Paolo Borromeo said the hospital would have a network of experts and leading international cancer care providers to enable the facility to provide world-class cancer care services.