The Medical City expands its FastER system across its hospitals

The Medical City (TMC) is redefining emergency care across its hospitals with the expansion of its FastER Program—a doctor-led, patient-centered emergency system designed to provide faster, more seamless treatment and turnaround times.

Launched at TMC Ortigas on June 30, 2025, the initiative is now being implemented in TMC South Luzon and TMC Iloilo, ensuring that more patients nationwide benefit from timely and expert emergency care. Rollouts at TMC Clark and TMC Pangasinan are scheduled to follow in the coming months.

Faster, integrated emergency care

The FastER Program introduces physician-led triage and a four-hour turnaround benchmark from entry to discharge or admission. Unlike traditional ER setups, patients are assessed immediately by an emergency medicine physician, allowing faster and more accurate clinical decisions.

Upgraded diagnostic systems further support quick and precise assessments. This streamlined process minimizes waiting times, reduces anxiety for patients and families, and accelerates the entire cycle of diagnostics, treatment, and disposition.

South Luzon: Expertise with accessibility

At TMC South Luzon (TMCSL) in Laguna, the FastER Program is strengthened by a free ambulance service within a 20 km radius of the hospital for patients requiring admission. Staffed by Emergency Medicine Technicians (EMTs), the service ensures that care begins even before patients arrive at the hospital. EMTs are trained to provide urgent interventions, such as first aid, trauma management, and vital sign monitoring—helping stabilize patients during transport and ensuring a safe, seamless transition into hospital-based care.

Dr. Earl Richardson Q. Chua, TMCSL chief medical officer, also highlighted the hospital’s partnership with PhilHealth, particularly its implementation of the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) Package.

“We are a private institution pioneering the implementation of PhilHealth programs in the area. Through the OECB Package, patients can receive coverage for emergency and life-threatening cases such as heart attack and stroke, along with 27 common chief complaints, including changes in vision, hearing, dizziness, and more,” said Dr. Chua.

Iloilo: Patient stories at the heart of FastER

At TMC Iloilo, the FastER Program’s impact is best seen in real patient experiences.

One such case involved a young boy who was rushed to the ER after a slip-and-fall accident at home. His mother, Alyssa Pineda, shared how the FastER system helped her son receive prompt and thorough care.

Upon arrival, an emergency medicine physician conducted an immediate assessment, followed by an X-ray to rule out fractures. While no bones were broken, a deep cut required stitching and an anti-tetanus injection. From triage to discharge, the entire process took just two hours and thirty minutes.

Beyond hospital walls, TMC Iloilo extends the FastER program through C.A.R.E.S. (Community Activated Rapid Emergency Services), a volunteer-driven initiative that trains and mobilizes staff for emergency preparedness in the community—strengthening both hospital readiness and community resilience.

With its expansion across the network, the FastER Program is setting a new benchmark for patient-centered emergency care in the Philippines. By combining speed, integration, and clinical expertise, The Medical City ensures that patients receive the right care, at the right time—when it matters most.

For more information, visit www.themedicalcity.com

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by The Medical City.