Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc., operating under the Healthway Medical Network, disclosed plans to pursue several hospital acquisitions this year while targeting the opening of three to five new clinics annually over the next three to five years.
Chief Strategy and Investment Officer Rafael Jaime V. Recio said the company currently has a few acquisition candidates in the pipeline and hopes to announce at least one deal before year‑end.
Recio emphasized that the focus remains on expanding the Cancer Hospital before considering greenfield projects, indicating that future growth will primarily rely on acquisitions.
The firm is evaluating hospitals with a minimum of 100 beds, Level 2 classification, and locations in densely populated urban areas, prioritizing facilities that require limited immediate renovation and retain an established physician base.
In parallel, the company aims to add three to five clinics each year in strategic locations, expanding its footprint in major markets over the next three to five years.
While many clinics are situated in shopping malls to leverage high foot traffic, the organization is also exploring alternative formats such as roadside commercial sites, depending on available opportunities.
Medium‑term objectives include growing the network to 1,150 retail pharmacies, 300 clinics, and 10 hospitals through a mix of organic expansion and acquisitions.
Recent developments saw the multi‑specialty outpatient network reach 18 centers nationwide with the opening of a flagship facility at One Ayala in Makati City, followed by plans for new centers in Batangas and McKinley West, Taguig, later this year.
Through its pharmaceutical arm, the company entered a partnership with a Japanese firm to distribute healthcare products across its pharmacies, clinics, medical centers, and hospitals.
Recio concluded that despite industry challenges, the company is making steady progress toward its long‑term expansion goals and remains on track for 2026.
