CEO Insights Magazine

The Life Sciences Industry in the Philippines plays a critical role in shaping the country’s healthcare system, with a growing focus on providing accessible and high-quality medical services to the population. This sector encompasses a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare services, and health insurance. One of the influential figures from the industry is Jayjay Viray, President & CEO of Medicare Plus. Under her visionary leadership, Medicare Plus has emerged as a key player in the health insurance sector, particularly by making healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. Her exceptional contributions have earned Jayjay a well deserved spot among leading CEOs in the Life Sciences Industry.

In a personal interview with CEO Insights ASIA, Jayjay shared her challenges, milestones and her plans professionally. Let's hear from her.

Over 28 years, what key milestones and challenges have shaped your journey across ICT, Healthcare, and Agriculture? Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in dynamic and high-pressure industries. In the early days of IT, the challenge was driving consumer acceptance and adaptability in an aggressive, fast-paced environment. In healthcare, acquiring a company during the height of the pandemic highlighted the urgency of health security and financial preparedness, making crisis management a significant milestone. My work in agriculture, though not traditional farming, involves an online marketplace platform, further showcasing my adaptability in innovative and transformative spaces. However, what truly matters to me are the lives I've impacted along the way. I remember two interns from humble backgrounds who joined my companies and were initially shy and insecure. Through a challenging crisis, I gave them tasks to help collect outstanding payments, and they stepped up, turning the situation around. Over time, I saw them grow into confident professionals, with one becoming a multi-awarded officer at a major hotel chain in Singapore and the other a Head of Human Resources of an International company. These stories of transformation and the opportunity to help others rise from humble beginnings are the milestones I hold most dear in my journey.

What strategic vision and governance expertise are you bringing to your leadership at Medicare Plus? I excel in navigating crises and have a proven track record of revitalizing distressed companies, specializing in sales and marketing to drive revenue growth and pinpoint the ideal audience for each product or service. My success lies in aligning offerings with market needs, understanding the target market's behaviours and aspirations, and crafting strategic plans that address immediate challenges while ensuring sustainable growth.I lead with a hands-on approach, fostering collaboration and accountability while using my sales and marketing expertise to implement innovative solutions that build trust and deliver results. Whether with startups, established businesses, or distressed organizations, I excel in environments that demand resilience and transformative leadership.

What technological innovations have you implemented under your leadership to enhance the accessibility of your healthcare programs? Our approach goes beyond technology, focusing on a people-centred methodology that sets us apart. While we use digital tools like online advertising to enhance reach, our differentiator lies in how we engage and support clients. At the core are our Health Plan Specialists, trained to guide individuals in choosing the right healthcare plans. This training combines technical expertise with our mission to provide accessible, meaningful healthcare solutions. What sets us apart is our commitment to empowerment and education, ensuring every team member understands our products and values. Our personalized approach  addresses individual needs with empathy, offering not just healthcare plans but impactful solutions.

How do you support your health plan specialists in assisting individuals to choose the right healthcare plan? Many of our members are 'first-time users' who have never previously had a health plan, a unique and challenging demographic that requires more than just information but also reassurance about the value and importance of healthcare coverage. Unlike competitors who focus on price-driven strategies targeting those familiar with health plans, we take a different approach by focusing on educating and reaching individuals new to the concept of health plans. We know affordability alone doesn't build trust, so we focus on equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions. Our strategy succeeds because we understand their unique needs and concerns, offering tailored support. It's not just about selling a product but building trust and lasting relationships that improve lives.

How do you envision the long-term trajectory of your professional journey moving forward? From the start, our health insurance business has aimed beyond traditional models. Initially planning a brickand-mortar presence, regulatory frameworks led us to innovate with a dedicated entity managing physical aspects, such as pharmacies, clinics, and wellness centres, to bridge the gap between healthcare access and affordability. Our long-term vision is to make these facilities not just accessible but inclusive, providing world-class care to all Filipinos, especially underserved communities. We believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and work with government and stakeholders to provide high-quality, affordable services aligned with public health goals, ensuring every Filipino has access to care with dignity and confidence. What advice would you give to emerging leaders in this field? The healthcare industry is at a critical juncture, with the number of companies shrinking from 30 to 25, highlighting the sector's challenges. New entrants need significant resources, leadership, and resilience. I faced these challenges when we acquired Medicare Plus, a distressed company. By infusing capital, rebuilding trust, and overhauling the business, we turned it around. A year later, we’re expanding rapidly and on track to triple our revenue next year. With the right mindset, the sector’s challenges can turn into opportunities to create lasting impact.

Jayjay Viray, President & CEO, Medicare Plus and Pharmacare Plus Jayjay Viray is a visionary leader with over 28 years of distinguished professional experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. Her dynamic career reflects her adaptability and commitment to driving transformative change.