The Macau government has put forward progressive plans to integrate day hospitals within the city's "commercial venues, resorts, and hotels". These establishments, contingent upon meeting specified "required technical conditions," will provide a novel healthcare option in the form of outpatient services. This information emerged from a detailed report by Macau's Health Bureau, issued following a public consultation about a new legal framework governing private healthcare services. This initiative forms a crucial component of Macau's broader "1+4" economic strategy. The "1" represents the tourism sector, while the "4" allude to burgeoning industries including "big health," modern finance, high-tech businesses, and various cultural, exhibition, and sporting events. "Big health," in particular, encompasses a range of healthcare and related services, indicative of Macau's vision to promote health tourism through collaborations between local healthcare providers and casino operators.
Feedback and Implementation Strategy from Public Consultation
The proposed legal framework that encompasses the establishment of day hospitals underwent a public consultation phase from April 17 to May 16. This engaged 892 individual contributions, with the Health Bureau reporting that a significant majority supported the government's healthcare proposal. Only 5.7 percent of respondents harbored opposing views. The reports highlight the strategic intent "to fully develop" the assets of Macau's six casino operators to attract a more international tourist base. Further, the government's outline stresses fostering an environment conducive to diverse medical services, incorporating advanced technologies and fostering new healthcare business avenues. The report outlines that day hospitals will primarily focus on outpatient services, potentially equipped with operating and recovery rooms. However, medical interventions offered are restricted to specialized procedures that do not necessitate hospital stays.
Industry Plans and Future Projections for Healthcare Tourism
A key part of advancing the city's healthcare offerings is the call for strict operational requirements. The Health Bureau recognizes the prevailing capacity and potential within Macau's resorts and hotels to accommodate these healthcare initiatives. Facilities must have a minimum usable space of 500 square meters to qualify for hosting day hospitals. Several casino operators in Macau have already unveiled intentions to enter the medical venue market. Wynn Macau Ltd launched the "EliteKinesio Medical Centre (Wynn Palace)" which targets physical therapy and rehabilitation programs at their Cotai location.
Similarly, Melco Resorts & Entertainment is progressing towards opening an iRad Polyclinic at Studio City, set to offer comprehensive diagnostic imaging services. Meanwhile, MGM China Holdings Ltd envisages the "Urban Oasis" project as an all-encompassing health and wellness hub, combining wellness with medical tourism and health assessments. These initiatives underscore a collective industry move to blend luxurious leisure with high-standard healthcare, setting Macau on a path to become a pinnacle of health tourism in the region.
Source: Macau resorts, hotels might be allowed to feature day hospitals under new legal framework, GGRAsia, July 17, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Jul 18 2025
Jul 18 2025
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