The Southwestern University Medical Center (SWUMed) partnered with Mount Grace Hospitals Inc. (MGHI) to further improve healthcare services and medical education in communities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

SWUMed is a 115-bed tertiary general hospital that provides community access to state-of-the-art and affordable healthcare services. It is also the medical training arm of the Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma Schools of Medicine.

MGHI, a member of the United Laboratories Group – the country's largest pharmaceutical company – will be managing SWUMed by handling its day-to-day operations, improving medical services and providing exceptional training to the next generation of health professionals.

SWU Phinma Chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr. expressed his appreciation of the recent collaboration, emphasizing the value of the partnership in improving healthcare services in Cebu and nearby provinces.
"We are delighted to have found an ally in Mount Grace. This partnership will let us bring the latest healthcare innovations and services to Cebu, position SWUMed at the forefront of healthcare and medical education, and enable more Filipino families to live dignified lives," he said.

MGHI President and CEO Carlos Ejercito added that the partnership is a step toward making healthcare services more accessible. "With this, we are able to bring in our medical expertise through a strong geographical presence in key urban areas in the country, making us true to our vision as stewards of health in communities around us," he said.

A ceremonial signing was held on February 18 at the MGHI headquarters in Mandaluyong, followed by a virtual signing on February 21.

Meanwhile, the official turnover and announcement of the partnership is scheduled to happen in April in Cebu.