In a move that strengthens the country’s response to one of its most pressing public health challenges, The Medical City (TMC) officially launched its I-DOTS (Integrated Delivery of TB Services) Center on Monday, in time for World Tuberculosis Day 2025.
The opening coincided with this year’s commemoration of World TB Day, observed under the theme “For a #TBFREE Nation, Youth Can #ENDTB.” The event brought together public and private sector leaders and is in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT)—for a shared call to action and collaboration in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
The I-DOTS Center, now located at the ground floor of TMC near the Emergency Room, is designed to deliver more accessible, patient-centered, and comprehensive TB care. The expanded facility features dedicated consultation areas, sputum induction rooms, and improved patient spaces that allow for greater comfort and efficiency in service delivery.
Health Secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa, who joined the event virtually, described the launch as “a powerful symbol of accessible and compassionate TB care,” underscoring the significance of partnerships between hospitals like TMC and government agencies in making treatment more equitable and effective.
The I-DOTS Center is equipped to manage all forms of TB—including drug-resistant and pediatric cases—and provides free anti-TB medications and supervised treatment in partnership with the DOH. It is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (excluding holidays).
As part of the launch, TMC hosted the Unite to #ENDTB Conference, which featured expert-led discussions on current TB strategies and challenges. Dr. Josephine Ramos, Head of the TMC TB Council, shared how TB screening and prevention have been successfully embedded in the hospital’s Employee Wellness Program, helping normalize conversations around the disease and reduce internal stigma.
For his part, Dr. Hermogenes P. Masangkay Jr., I-DOTS Center Consultant Director, emphasized that the center serves not only as a facility for diagnosing and treating tuberculosis, but also as a hub for research.
“Our I-DOTS Center is more than just a place for TB diagnosis and treatment—it’s also a space where research ideas are encouraged and supported. We have a wealth of data ready for analysis,” he shared.
DOH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire acknowledged The Medical City’s leadership in integrating TB care with broader wellness efforts.
“We commend our private institutions for helping the public sector in our fight against TB, with the Medical City of course in its forefront,” she said.
With TB still ranking among the top infectious disease killers worldwide—and the Philippines among the countries with the highest burden—the launch of the I-DOTS Center marks a step forward in building a more responsive, inclusive, and stigma-free TB care environment.
For inquiries, patients may contact (02) 8988-1000 / 7000 ext. 6536 or send a message on The Medical City’s Messenger account m.me/TheMedicalCity.