Global Care Medical Center (GCMC), one of the Philippines’ leading regional healthcare providers, is raising growth capital from LeapFrog Investments, the pioneering profit-with-purpose investment firm, and Philippine-based private equity firm Navegar, to fuel expansion and improve access to quality healthcare in underserved markets across the country.
Founded in 2016, GCMC has rapidly built a strong presence outside Metro Manila, operating a network of five hospitals – including four general hospitals and one dedicated cancer center. Together, the group currently operates more than 300 licensed beds and is supported by over 670 doctors.
The Philippines’ healthcare sector is experiencing sustained demand growth, driven by rising
incomes, ageing populations and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. However, capacity constraints outside major cities remain acute. Nearly half of all Filipinos cannot access a primary healthcare facility within 30 minutes (1), and in some provinces, the bed-to-patient ratio falls below 0.5 (2).These shortages continue to put pressure on families, forcing many patients to travel long distances or delay care altogether.
GCMC addresses this challenge by strategically locating its facilities in provinces with rising
demand for secondary and tertiary care. By bringing healthcare services closer to where people live and work, GCMC is helping to reduce the financial and logistical burden on patients, while improving continuity and outcomes of care.
GCMC Chairman Ricardo Celino said, “We chose to partner with LeapFrog for their deep healthcare expertise, and Navegar for their experience helping Philippine companies scale. With their support, we’re excited to expand healthcare access to more Filipino communities and to continue raising the standard of care in the regions that need it most.”
GCMC differentiates itself through its unwavering focus on quality. Its modern, well-maintained facilities, high-caliber medical professionals, and investment in quality diagnostic equipment ensure that it can deliver urban-quality care in regional settings.
A sixth hospital is currently under construction, which will add approximately 150 licensed beds to the Group’s capacity. Additionally, multiple organic and inorganic initiatives are in progress to further expand its footprint in priority provinces, including the rollout of additional specialty services and targeted acquisitions.
LeapFrog and Navegar will bring their combined global healthcare expertise and experience
scaling Philippine platforms to support GCMC’s sustainable growth, strengthen governance, and embed long-term operational and impact discipline.
LeapFrog Investments’ Partner and Global Lead for Healthcare, Biju Mohandas said, “This
is our first investment in the Philippines and an opportunity for our team to back the tremendous growth of the economy. As healthcare demand rises, GCMC is delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to those who need it most. We see tremendous opportunity to build on the good work of the GCMC team, expanding specialty care, scaling responsibly, and enhancing patient outcomes. Together with Navegar, we are proud to support a business that pairs clinical excellence with a strong commitment to equitable impact, and we will play an active role in supporting GCMC’s next phase of growth.”
Navegar’s Vice President of Origination, Juan Carlos Camara said, “We’ve been following
healthcare in the Philippines for some time, and GCMC stood out for both its management team and the thoughtful way the platform was built. Growth has been intentional, anchored in clinical standards and a consistent focus on quality rather than scale for its own sake. This approach gives us confidence in the long-term potential of the business. We’re excited to support Rick and the GCMC team, alongside LeapFrog, as the company moves into its next chapter.”
*Closing of investment into GCMC is subject to completion of customary closing
conditions.
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1 Philippine Department of Health, 2020
2 PIDS, 2022
