Free breast screenings back on wheels as TMC, AIA PH revive Hope Mobi-Clinic

The Medical City and AIA Philippines have renewed their partnership to continue the rollout of the Hope Mobi-Clinic, a mobile breast cancer screening program aimed at bringing life-saving services to underserved communities in Metro Manila.

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at The Medical City (TMC) Ortigas in Pasig City, led by TMC Executive Vice President and CEO Dr. Ruben G. Kasala and AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson.

Now on its second rollout, the clinic-on-wheels will expand its services to new areas across Metro Manila, following its earlier stops in San Juan and Pasig. This time, the initiative aims to provide breast cancer screening services to 1,000 women, focusing on those aged 50 and above, who often lack access to regular health checks.

“I’m glad that we are now focusing more on early detection of cancer,” said Dr. Kasala. “Survival rates increase, and the cost of care is reduced once you diagnose cancer early. It’s good that this partnership continues, and I’m looking forward to expanding to more areas. Many Filipinos cannot afford early cancer screening, and it’s our responsibility to make these services accessible because healthcare is a human right.”

The Hope Mobi-Clinic is outfitted with digital mammography equipment and staffed by experienced medical professionals from The Medical City. Apart from screenings, the clinic also provides on-site breast cancer awareness education, encouraging women to be proactive in managing their health.

If tumors are detected during screening, patients will receive continued medical support from The Medical City and AIA Philippines, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

“Hope Mobi-Clinic is one of the ways we at AIA hope to bring to life our Purpose of empowering people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by making quality healthcare accessible to more Filipinos, especially those in underserved communities,” said Henson. “We’re proud to have built a program that goes beyond screening. As Hope Mobi-Clinic offers a full patient journey — from early detection to treatment and recovery — we hope to continue making it a model of care that’s not only innovative, but also comprehensive and compassionate.”

Also present at the MOA signing were Dr. Beatrice J. Tiangco, program director of SCRAP (Screen and Prevent) Cancer, and Dr. Rafael S. Claudio, president of Akbay Ginhawa Foundation Inc., key partners in the initiative’s advocacy for accessible women’s health services.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Filipino women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. But studies have shown that early detection greatly increases the chance of survival. By reaching communities with limited access to diagnostic care, the Hope Mobi-Clinic aims to remove barriers to health services and promote a proactive approach to cancer prevention.

The renewed commitment by TMC, AIA Philippines, and their partner organizations underscores their shared belief that early detection saves lives—and no woman should be left behind