The Mary Mediatrix Medical Center (MMMC) has officially opened Batangas’ very first hospital-based urgent care center, along with a new lifestyle and wellness center. The introduction of these key facilities reinforces the hospital’s commitment to providing accessible, timely, and patient-centered healthcare for every stage of life.
“Effective healthcare today means ensuring every patient gets the right level of care at the right time and in the right setting,” said Dr. Rommel Lojo, MMMC medical director. “Our Urgent Care Center delivers timely, evidence-based treatment for non-life-threatening conditions while making our emergency services more efficient. Meanwhile, the Lifestyle and Wellness Center empowers people to take charge of their health through prevention, early detection, and personalized care.”
The Urgent Care Center fills a key gap between regular clinics and emergency rooms, catering to patients with minor injuries or low-acuity illnesses that need prompt attention but not full emergency care. This setup frees up the main Emergency Room to focus on critical and life-threatening cases, resulting in shorter wait times, smoother patient flow, and better use of hospital resources. Every patient receives an initial assessment using the internationally recognized Emergency Severity Index to prioritize care based on condition urgency. Staffed by experienced professionals and equipped with modern facilities, the center follows high standards recently validated by the World Stroke Organization’s Platinum Award, which MMMC earned for excellence in stroke care.
“Those same high standards guide both new centers,” explained Dr. Edna Cuasay, assistant medical director and chief of clinics. “Whether a patient needs urgent treatment or support to stay healthy, we deliver compassionate, top-quality care at every step of their healthcare journey.”
Complementing these services is the new Lifestyle and Wellness Center, designed to shift focus toward prevention and early health management. It offers comprehensive services including executive check-ups, nutrition counseling, physical rehabilitation, and customized wellness plans developed by multidisciplinary teams. The facility features a private, comfortable environment with a dedicated concierge service to coordinate appointments and procedures, all reflecting MMMC’s signature “Alagang May Malasakit” (caring service).
“For 68 years, we have grown alongside the communities we serve,” said Dondi delos Santos, MMMC president. “We keep investing in facilities, technology, and our people to meet changing healthcare needs. These two centers are an investment in healthier, longer, and happier lives for families across Batangas. As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our promise to make quality care more accessible, responsive, and focused on each patient.”
The dual launch strengthens Mary Mediatrix Medical Center’s standing as one of Southern Luzon’s leading healthcare providers. Established in 1958, the institution is recognized by the Department of Health as a Center of Excellence, with specialized programs in cardiology, oncology, neuroscience, and renal transplantation.
