Fullerton Health Philippines and Manila-based hospital group The Medical City have formalized a coordinated referral arrangement designed to create a clearer path from clinic care to hospital-based services, the partners announced.
What the agreement does
The memorandum of agreement establishes a managed referral system so patients first seen at Fullerton Health Philippines clinics can be sent to The Medical City for further evaluation, advanced diagnostics, specialty consultation, emergency care or hospitalization when needed. The arrangement is intended to reduce fragmentation when patients require services beyond the scope of primary or preventive settings.
Officials said the new process will cover a range of clinical needs, including:
- Advanced diagnostic procedures not available at clinic sites.
- Consultations with specialists and subspecialists based at hospital facilities.
- Emergency department access and hospital admissions for acute or surgical care.
Representatives from both organizations emphasized improved communication and referral management as a core feature of the partnership, saying it should help patients move more smoothly between levels of care.
“Healthcare should feel connected from the patient’s perspective. Whether a patient comes in for a routine consultation or eventually requires specialized treatment or hospitalization, there should be a clear pathway that helps them get the appropriate care at the right time,” said Dr. Ruben Kasala, executive vice president and chief executive officer of The Medical City.
Who signed and who will be involved
The signing ceremony brought together senior leaders from both organizations. Fullerton Health Philippines attendees included Country Manager Carmie de Leon, Senior Vice President Darren Lim and Chief Radiologist Dr. Don Reginald Santos. The Medical City was represented by Dr. Ruben Kasala, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gregorio Martinez Jr., and Group Head of Strategic Accounts Racquel Caguarangan.
| Organization | Representative(s) |
|---|---|
| Fullerton Health Philippines | Carmie de Leon; Darren Lim; Dr. Don Reginald Santos |
| The Medical City | Dr. Ruben Kasala; Dr. Gregorio Martinez Jr.; Racquel Caguarangan |
Both parties said the memorandum formalizes operational links so that patients who require services beyond routine clinic care have a known destination and clearer referral management. The partners did not disclose implementation timetables, specific clinic locations that will participate, or any financial arrangements tied to referrals.
Local implications and questions
For patients who use Fullerton Health clinics, the agreement could mean faster access to hospital diagnostics and specialists without the uncertainty of navigating separate referral routes. Improved coordination can also reduce duplication of tests and shorten the time from initial assessment to definitive treatment.
At the same time, details on how the referral pathway will operate day to day remain limited in the public announcement. Key questions for patients and employers who rely on Fullerton Health services include whether electronic referral tracking will be available, how triage will be handled for urgent cases, and whether insurance or employer-sponsored benefits will be affected by the new arrangement.
Fullerton Health Philippines and The Medical City said the aim is to make transitions between primary and hospital care more seamless. Officials framed the partnership as an effort to connect different levels of care around the needs of the patient rather than as an expansion of either organization’s individual services.
As the agreement moves from paper to practice, patients and health plan sponsors will be watching for details on participating clinics and hospitals, referral procedures, and any new points of contact for coordinating care.
This report is based on the memorandum signed by officials of The Medical City and Fullerton Health Philippines and statements released by the two organizations.
