via Graphic Plus — Global healthcare innovators and Philippine industry leaders underscored the country’s growing role in digital health transformation and medical tourism during the official MOA signing for the International Healthcare Disruptors Congress (IHDC) 2026. The event marked a significant milestone in positioning the Philippines as a strategic hub for international healthcare collaboration, innovations and advanced medical technologies.
The ceremony brought together the Agora Group UAE, global event organizers known for high-impact innovation summits, and Asia Pacific & Global Healthcare, Inc., representing local healthcare leaders and former government experts advocating for modernization and public–private partnerships (PPP).
Strengthening the Bridge Between International Organizers and Philippine Healthcare
Industry advocate Angel Bognot highlighted the evolution of partnerships between tourism, medical institutions, and international buyers. Having promoted the Philippines as a health tourism destination since 2006, she emphasized the strong response of local healthcare stakeholders. She noted, however, that deeper coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) is essential to reinforce the country’s presence in global health and wellness markets. While the Department of Tourism drives promotion, Bognot explained that policies, standards, and regulatory expertise must come from DOH to fully support health tourism competitiveness.
Government and Private Sector Alignment
Former DOH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Francia Miciano Laxamana, expressed confidence that with renewed private sector involvement, many previously under-supported initiatives—such as Public, Private Partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare and the Philippine Medical Wellness and Medical Tourism Program—can now move forward more decisively. She stressed that the government and private sector should continuously collaborate in collective effort and advocacy to strengthen national healthcare priorities, including medical and wellness tourism and technological innovations.
PPP Healthcare Model as a Benchmark
Executives from Makati Life Medical Center, the host venue, emphasized how PPP models can deliver world-class, accessible healthcare. Under the Makati Health Program (Yellow Card), 99% of treatment costs are subsidized, allowing residents to receive specialized care at minimal expense. By early next year, the hospital is set to complete its subspecialty services—covering cardiology, oncology, and advanced diagnostics—positioning Makati Life as a leading example of modern, affordable care under a PPP concept.
Why the Philippines Is the Chosen Host for IHDC 2026
Agora Group of Dubai representative Mr. Hadi Malaeb, explained that the Philippines serves as an ideal bridge connecting the Middle East and Southeast Asia, strengthened by the global presence of Filipino medical professionals. He emphasized the country’s significant opportunities for growth, citing low global rankings in eHealth readiness and electronic medical record (EMR) adoption. IHDC 2026 aims to narrow these gaps by bringing world-class technologies, investment leads, and global best practices into the Philippine healthcare ecosystem.
He further underscored that cooperation—not competition—is essential to national healthcare progress, noting that international markets succeed when institutions work together under a unified vision.
IHDC 2026 is expected to become a pivotal platform for accelerating the Philippines’ adoption of digital health innovations and strengthening its role in the global healthcare landscape.
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