Tokushukai Medical Group and the Ministry of Health,Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Healthcare Cooperation
On January 12, 2026, Tokushukai Medical Group and the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation in the field of healthcare.
Background of the MoU
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), established in 2019 following a long peace process, is currently in the process of rebuilding and strengthening its healthcare system. In particular, the development of healthcare professionals and the establishment of sustainable hospital management systems have been identified as key priorities.
Tokushukai Medical Group is one of the largest healthcare groups in Japan, operating 89 hospitals and more than 400 healthcare-related facilities nationwide, and has long been engaged in international medical cooperation and disaster medical assistance.
This MoU was concluded following a formal request from the Bangsamoro Government, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare services in the region through human resource development, capacity building, and the sharing of medical and hospital management expertise.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under this MoU, Tokushukai Medical Group and the Ministry of Health, BARMM will seek to collaborate in the following areas:
- Human resource development for healthcare professionals
- Sharing of hospital management and operational know-how
- Exchange of medical knowledge and expertise to support sustainable healthcare systems
This MoU is non-binding and is intended to serve as a foundation for mutual understanding and future collaboration.
Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony was held in Makati City, Philippines, with representatives from both parties in attendance. During the ceremony, the parties exchanged views on the current healthcare challenges in the Bangsamoro region and discussed the importance of long-term, needs-based cooperation.
For the Ministry of Health, BARMM: Dr. Abdulhalik M. Kasim, MDM, CESE Deputy General
For Tokushukai Medical Group: Shuzo Kobayashi, M.D., Ph.D.
Executive Managing Director, General Incorporated Association Tokushukai
Looking Ahead
Through this MoU, Tokushukai Medical Group and the Ministry of Health, BARMM aim to build a respectful and sustainable partnership that contributes to improved access to quality healthcare in the Bangsamoro region, in alignment with the principles of humanitarian medical cooperation.
