A Breakthrough That Matters
Moments in medicine remind us why we do this work. This year, the Philippine health system marked a turning point when The Medical City expanded its partnership with Rizal Medical Center to perform liver transplants locally. The first patient was a 14‑month‑old child whose mother served as a living donor. The donor operation used robotic techniques—a first in the country. Two days later, the mother was walking; weeks later, she was holding her baby again. This single milestone shows what is possible when capacity, technology, and care converge in a local setting.
Why Bringing High Stakes Surgeries Home Matters
Liver transplantation is among the most complex procedures in medicine. It demands a highly specialized team, a fully equipped operating room, and flawless coordination among surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU physicians, nurses, and support staff. For many Filipino families, the choice has long been to raise funds for months abroad or endure the silence of a waiting list. The consequences—debt, lost income, and separation from loved ones—are painful realities that no family should face when life is on the line.
Keeping families together
When surgeries stay within the country, follow-up care happens with the same doctors who performed the operation. Families stay in their communities, speak their language, and remain rooted in the culture that supports healing. Parents do not have to choose between a child’s life and a family’s daily needs.
Reducing economic burden
The cost of international treatment extends far beyond the procedure itself. Airfare, lodging, and the hidden costs of being away from home quickly add up. By building local capacity, we dramatically reduce these expenses and create a more sustainable path to care for more families.
Technology and Teamwork
At The Medical City and Rizal Medical Center, investment in robotic surgery and multidisciplinary teams is transforming outcomes. Robotic systems offer precision in tiny, delicate spaces, while coordinated teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and ICU staff ensure that every step—from donor surgery to postoperative recovery—is tightly managed. This approach makes high-stakes surgeries safer and more accessible for patients who would otherwise travel far from home.
Continuity of care
With a domestic program, the same doctors overseeing the transplant continue to guide post‑operative care, medications, and long‑term monitoring. This continuity supports better long‑term outcomes and helps families navigate the complex recovery journey without disruption.
<h2 A Future of Homegrown Confidence
The goal extends beyond increasing the number of operations. It is to build public confidence in the Philippine healthcare system—that patients can stay home and still receive world‑class treatment. Achieving this requires ongoing training, investment in facilities, and collaboration with government agencies to lower overall costs and expand access. Each successful transplant sends a message to families across the country: you do not have to leave home to give your child a fighting chance.
Looking Ahead
As more centers develop the capability to perform liver transplants and related high-stakes procedures, the focus remains on safety, affordability, and equity. The partnership model between The Medical City and Rizal Medical Center provides a template for scaling domestic expertise while keeping care patient centered. The day when no Filipino parent has to choose between leaving the country and saving a child’s life is within reach—and we are working every day to make it real.
