Makati Medical Center marks a year of meaningful progress in patient care

In 2025, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) strengthened its place as one of the Philippines’ leading healthcare institutions by achieving a series of medical firsts, expanding essential specialty programs, elevating diagnostic capabilities, and earning national and international recognition. Across its centers of excellence, the Hospital demonstrated how innovation, collaboration, and compassion can transform patient outcomes and push Philippine healthcare forward.

This year’s milestones reflect years of investment in technology, training, and multidisciplinary teamwork. From world-class surgeries to groundbreaking accreditations, MakatiMed continues to show why it is regarded as a trusted institution for both patients and professionals.

A year of medical firsts

Several historic procedures defined MakatiMed’s clinical achievements this year. The Department of Ophthalmology performed the hospital’s first image-guided orbital surgery, using surgical navigation technology that allowed surgeons to safely remove a mass behind a patient’s eye with millimeter-level accuracy. This advanced approach is adopted by MakatiMed, signaling its commitment to safer, more precise ocular surgeries.

The Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center likewise achieved a major milestone with its first Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, a highly specialized procedure used to remove early-stage gastrointestinal tumors. By removing a 5 cm colon lesion en bloc or as a whole, the team spared the patient from open surgery and enabled a faster recovery, with pathology results confirming a complete and curative resection, meaning the removal of the tumor does not need any further surgery.

Equally transformative was MakatiMed’s first cochlear implantation, performed on a child with congenital profound hearing loss. Through the combined efforts of the ENT, Pediatrics, Cardiology, and Anesthesia teams, the procedure opened the possibility for the child to develop hearing and speech.

In the field of breast cancer management, MakatiMed also completed its first robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy. Using the da Vinci Xi system, surgeons were able to perform the delicate procedure through minimal incisions, preserving breast tissue and significantly improving cosmetic and healing outcomes. This marks another step in the hospital’s pursuit of precision-driven, minimally invasive cancer care.

One of the most defining achievements of the year was MakatiMed’s first Living Donor Liver Transplant, a historic operation made possible through years of preparation and a strong collaboration with South Korea’s Asan Medical Center. The 13-hour procedure, performed without the need for blood transfusion, saved the life of a young man suffering from end-stage liver disease. Despite the donor’s complex surgical history, both donor and recipient recovered remarkably well, exemplifying MakatiMed’s commitment to safe, globally benchmarked transplant care.

Advancing diagnostics and centers of excellence

Beyond surgery, MakatiMed continued to invest in advanced technology and enhanced patient services. The Department of Nuclear Medicine began operating the SIEMENS PRO.SPECTA Q3 SPECT.CT, a hybrid imaging system that enhances diagnostic accuracy for cardiac, oncologic, and pulmonary conditions. With better 3D visualization and reduced imaging artifacts, patients now receive clearer, more definitive results to guide treatment decisions.

The Sleep Laboratory under the MakatiMed Institute of Neurological, Neurosurgical, and Behavioral Sciences (M.I.N.D.S.) expanded its facilities to accommodate more patients and a broader range of sleep studies. Equipped with upgraded monitoring systems and designed for comfort, the expanded lab strengthens MakatiMed’s role as a leader in sleep and neurological health.

M.I.N.D.S. further broadened its subspecialty offerings with new clinics for Headache, Epilepsy, and Gait and Balance, along with the re-launch of its Memory Center and Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology Unit, strengthening the hospital’s ability to diagnose and manage complex neurological and cognitive conditions.

As an addition to the Heart and M.I.N.D.S. Institute, the Cancer Institute, formerly known as the Cancer Center, was inaugurated. This expanded facility is where patients can receive coordinated diagnostics, treatment planning, and expert care under one roof. It also includes a patient navigation program, ensuring that individuals are assisted throughout their journey, helping ease anxiety and streamline care pathways. Shortly after, the hospital opened its dedicated Pain Management Services Clinic, bringing together specialists in Anesthesiology, Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, and Palliative Care to provide holistic, evidence-based care for acute and chronic pain.

Recognitions that reflect industry excellence

MakatiMed’s achievements in 2025 were matched by equally significant recognitions. The Hospital became the first in the Philippines to be accredited under the Joint Commission International (JCI) 8th Edition Standards, a rigorous global benchmark for quality and patient safety. Shortly after, MakatiMed also passed its ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audit with zero non-conformities, maintaining certification across multiple hospital sites.

MakatiMed was ranked among the Best Specialized Hospitals in Asia Pacific by Newsweek, earning distinctions in five key specialties, including Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, and Oncology. The hospital was also named one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for 2025, underscoring its dedication to nurturing a culture defined by trust, professionalism, and malasakit.

A notable highlight was MakatiMed’s recognition as a Merit Awardee at the 2025 Best Places to Work Awards, presented by BusinessWorld and WorkL. The hospital achieved Silver across multiple categorie,s including Overall Best Places to Work, Best Places to Work for Women, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, young professionals (16-34), senior workforce (55+), and Employee Wellbeing.

MakatiMed's commitment to excellence also shone through in medical operations and communications. The PhilHealth Claims & Returns Processing Unit received awards for maintaining extremely low rates of returned and denied claims, demonstrating accuracy and efficiency in service delivery. Meanwhile, the hospital also took home three honors at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, reflecting its strength in communications, sustainability programs, and patient engagement.

The Central Sterilization Unit was likewise recognized by Solventum as the Metro Pacific Health Sterilization Benchmark of Best Practices, further highlighting MakatiMed’s leadership in infection control and device reprocessing. The hospital also earned a Hall of Fame distinction for the Mother-Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative, affirming its long-standing dedication to promoting breastfeeding and newborn care.

Even its advocacy efforts gained national traction: the viral Red Light campaign, which signaled a critical shortage in blood supply, successfully mobilized hundreds of donors, showcasing the power of digital communication in saving lives.

A growing legacy of excellence

Through all these milestones, Makati Medical Center continues to uphold its mission of delivering healthcare that is not only world-class but also deeply human. More than institutional achievements, the innovations of 2025 share the stories of lives changed, families given hope, and a community strengthened by compassionate service.

As the hospital moves forward, MakatiMed remains committed to expanding its capabilities, elevating medical standards, and championing patient-centered care; proving once again why it remains the Hospital with a Heart and a trusted leader in Philippine healthcare.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Makati Medical Center.