By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
In a first in Western Visayas, the Ayala Corporation inaugurated the Iloilo Fertility and Reproductive Care Center (IFER) at the Qualimed Hospital Iloilo, May 22.
The first of its kind center in the region was made possible through the Healthway Medical Network (HMN), a multi-sectoral collaboration established by AC Health, Ayala Corp. medical division.
HMN is responsible for integrating the brands and services of Healthway Clinics and Qualimed Hospitals nationwide.
Paulo Borromeo, president and chief executive officer of AC Health, said the launching of IFER is integral to AC Health’s connected care circle for women’s health.
“Through our women’s health center, we are able to provide seamless, coordinated, and cost-effective care in response to the complex and unique health needs of women,” he added.
According to fertility doctor and IFER head Dr. Rey Castillo, the new center will be the region’s hub for fertility and reproductive needs, enabling women and families to achieve their reproductive health goals effectively.
IFER will offer more advanced imaging and diagnostic procedures like 3D and 4D ultrasound and colposcopy. Additionally, the center offers cutting-edge assisted reproductive procedures, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
For men and women preparing for their reproductive life, the center will also offer fertility banking or preservation for sperms, oocytes, and embryos.
Moreover, the center’s comprehensive services encompass breast imaging modalities like ultrasound and mammography, breast cancer screenings, breast surgery, and all-in-one labor, delivery, and postpartum suites.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. lauded Ayala Corp.’s commitment of bringing accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between sectors.
“Our healthcare system is not only the government — it is a collaboration between the local government units, our partners from the non government agencies, and the private sector,” he said, adding that the region still has a developing healthcare system.
Defensor further emphasized that IFER is not merely an addition to the existing healthcare network, but a valuable asset augmenting the city and province’s capacity to provide exemplary care to the Ilonggos.
