The expansion of Singapore Cancer Center Inc. (SCCI) is adding momentum to Cebu’s ambitions to become a regional medical tourism hub, as international-standard oncology services increasingly position the province as a destination for patients seeking specialized healthcare outside Metro Manila and overseas.
SCCI, which marked its first year of operations at the AppleOne Medical Arts Building, has expanded its clinical capabilities with the launch of a dedicated Infusion and Ambulatory Treatment Unit, an Oncology Pharmacy and a Molecular Laboratory, creating what the center describes as a fully integrated cancer care ecosystem.
The investment reflects a shift in the Philippine healthcare sector, where private providers are bringing advanced medical services to fast-growing regional centers, capitalizing on improving infrastructure, international air connectivity and Cebu’s established tourism industry.
For Cebu, the emergence of internationally benchmarked specialty healthcare could complement its traditional tourism economy by attracting patients from neighboring provinces and potentially from overseas, where medical travelers increasingly seek destinations offering quality treatment at competitive costs.
SCCI Chairman Dr. Ellie May Villegas said the expansion reinforces the institution’s goal of making world-class oncology care accessible to patients in the Visayas.
‘At the heart of our operations is the vision of institutionalizing a standard of care that offers patients the best possible chance at recovery,’ Villegas said.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Omid Etemadi said the facility was designed to integrate diagnostics and treatment into a seamless patient experience, reducing the need for patients to navigate multiple healthcare providers.
‘The expansion from the Molecular Laboratory to the dedicated Infusion Unit creates a seamless and supportive environment for patients,’ Etemadi said, describing the facility as a ‘one-stop care ecosystem’ focused on clinical excellence and patient comfort.
He said many cancer patients in the Visayas have historically traveled to Metro Manila-or in some cases abroad-to access specialized treatment.
By localizing advanced oncology services, SCCI aims to reduce travel costs and logistical challenges while enabling patients to remain close to their families during lengthy treatment programs.
The center’s designation as an official Roche Access Program (RAP) site further strengthens Cebu’s healthcare ecosystem by providing eligible patients with structured access to innovative cancer medicines through affordability and patient assistance programs.
The partnership with Roche (Philippines) Inc. moves beyond ad hoc financial support toward a more institutionalized model for expanding access to advanced therapies, a development that could further enhance Cebu’s attractiveness as a destination for specialized healthcare.
Dr. Edralin of Roche said stronger collaboration between the private sector and healthcare providers is essential to making innovative cancer medicines more affordable and improving treatment completion rates.
He added that organized screening, public-private partnerships and patient-centered care models have proven effective internationally and could help elevate cancer care standards in the Philippines.
SCCI Chief Financial Officer Dr. Alex Alegrado said affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to treatment and that the Roche Access Program helps address that challenge.
‘With RAP, we are directly addressing the financial barriers that often hinder life-saving care,’ Alegrado said. ‘This partnership allows us to offer sustainable, high-quality treatment options right here in Cebu, ensuring that cost does not define a patient’s journey.’
The expansion comes as Cebu continues to diversify beyond tourism, business process outsourcing and manufacturing, with healthcare emerging as another sector capable of attracting investment and generating higher-value economic activity.
Industry observers have increasingly pointed to the province’s modern hospitals, growing network of medical specialists and international accessibility as competitive advantages in developing a medical tourism market.
By integrating advanced diagnostics, specialized pharmacy services and infusion therapy under one roof, SCCI said it intends not only to improve healthcare outcomes for patients in the Visayas but also to help establish Cebu as a destination where world-class medical expertise is available without the need to travel to Manila or overseas.
As the center enters its second year, management said it will continue expanding its patient-centered model, supporting Cebu’s strong aspiration to become one of the country’s leading hubs for specialized healthcare and medical tourism.