MAKATI CITY — Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) has officially opened a new Urgent Care Center (UCC) at its main hospital complex, a strategic move designed to provide swift medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions and significantly reduce congestion in the main emergency room. Formally unveiled to the public in May 2026, the facility is located on the Ground Floor of Tower 1 along the MakatiMed driveway, providing easy access for walk-in patients.
Reducing ER Wait Times
The new center is a direct response to persistent patient concerns over emergency room congestion. “MakatiMed is a high-volume facility, and our Emergency Room is often congested,” explained Dr. Amado Flores III, an Emergency Medicine Specialist at the hospital, noting the department sees up to 200 patients daily. “Previously, patients with less severe conditions had to wait a long time because the staff had to prioritize life-threatening emergencies. By separating these cases, we can serve both groups faster and improve overall patient satisfaction,” Dr. Flores said. The expected turnaround time at the Urgent Care Center is between 60 to 90 minutes. To help patients decide where to go, comparison guides are posted just outside the facility.
A Quieter, More Efficient Alternative
The UCC is designed specifically for walk-in patients needing same-day treatment for conditions that are urgent but stable. These include minor trauma like small burns and cuts, common infections like colds, and fevers, as well as flu-like symptoms, ear pain, and animal bites. By diverting ambulatory and stable patients away from the main ER, where medical teams are focused on critical cases, the UCC provides a quieter, more focused setting. It also offers preventive services such as vaccinations and general medical consultations.
Operational Details and Future Expansion
The center began pilot operations in April and is currently in its first phase, operating 12 hours daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is staffed by a dedicated team of Emergency Medicine specialists, including a consultant, a training resident, and two registered nurses. While current capacity handles approximately 20 to 30 patients per shift, the hospital’s final expansion plan includes a dedicated Pediatric Urgent Care section, which will be part of ongoing Emergency Department renovations.
