Macao is rewriting the narrative of its healthcare sector, blending precision, accessibility, and innovation to ensure the well-being of its residents while positioning itself as a global medical hub. Some landmark initiatives have recently garnered attention.
Where patient-centered care meets cutting-edge treatment
Spanning over a vast 76,000 square meters and situated in a scenic area easily accessible by light rail, the Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital is the first large-scale public general hospital constructed by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government since the city’s return to China. The facility recently conducted its inaugural multidisciplinary joint consultation – a groundbreaking service model that combines the expertise of specialists across departments.
For an elderly patient who suffered multiple complications after a fall, Beijing Union Medical College Hospital’s expert team collaborated with local specialists to create a tailored, holistic treatment plan. This integrated approach eliminates the need for patients to visit multiple specialists, delivering seamless, comprehensive care.
“I heard that the doctors from Beijing are highly experienced, so I came here for a consultation about my bronchiectasis,” said respiratory patient, Ou Yuai. “The doctors are very attentive, which makes me feel more at ease.”
“Beijing Union Medical College Hospital has sent a strong team of experts, and the SAR government has provided robust support. Locally, we’ve recruited highly skilled professionals to form a capable medical team,” said Wu Wenming, the director of the hospital.
Wu says that the institution aims to enhance specialized medical services in Macao under the SAR government’s ‘1+4’ economic diversification strategy. The focus is twofold: ensuring medical security for Macao residents and aligning healthcare with development goals – that is, establishing a regional medical center that serves the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
“We have top-notch doctors and state-of-the-art facilities. Meanwhile, Macao’s Pharmaceutical Supervision Bureau enables swift approval of new medications, offering patients more and updated treatment options.” said Ao Ieong, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, who called Macao’s medical sector a beacon of precision and progress, “This, combined with Macao’s rich tourism resources, creates unparalleled opportunities for integrating healthcare and leisure.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine innovates treatment options
Macao’s seamless integration of advanced medical services and efficient regulatory support is also embodied in initiatives in developing traditional medicine. The recent launch of the Macao University Chinese Medicine Testing Center marks a significant milestone. Serving as a vital link in the health industry chain, the center enhances drug testing, regulation, and innovation, boosting Macao’s global competitiveness. Last year, the university also established the Center for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences to develop innovative tools and standards that streamline the evaluation and approval of pharmaceutical products.
“So, in a way that we have these centers now, scientific research can be more adopted in practical settings,” said Dr. Carolina Ung, Deputy Director of the Macao University Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science Research Center. She also highlighted the institute’s commitment to demonstrating the safety, quality, and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), thereby advancing TCM development in Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
The establishment of the Pharmaceutical Supervision Bureau in 2022 and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Law have facilitated streamlined drug approvals, with 94 products approved by October 2024.
Cross-border collaboration further propels development, allowing Macao-based companies like Macao-Union Pharmaceutical to scale production and diversify offerings. The company managed to produce Macao’s first cross-border commissioned TCM product for sale within the mode of production in Guangdong Province and supervision in Macao.
“Our production capacity is expected to increase tenfold if this model can be further applied,” noted Lao Tai Hang, technical director of Macao-Union Pharmaceutical. He regarded the approval of Macao-manufactured Chinese medicine in the Greater Bay Area and overseas markets, especially Portuguese-speaking countries, as a key achievement, while noting increasing demand from the US since late this year.
Advancing well-being in the Greater Bay Area and beyond
The SAR government highlighted international recognition of Macao’s healthcare achievements since its return to China, by quoting the World Health Organization, which praised its primary healthcare system as a model in the Pacific Region.
Data suggests that by 2023, Macao’s healthcare infrastructure had significantly improved, with the number of doctors, nurses, and hospital beds per 1,000 residents more than doubling since 1999. For seniors particularly, free medical services have been available to residents aged 65 and above. The city’s life expectancy also rose from 77.9 years in 1999 to 83.1 years in 2023, ranking among the highest globally.
Benefits have expanded for cross-border healthcare. At Macao New Neighborhood Health Station in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, which commenced operations early this November, Macao residents can now enjoy complimentary medical consultations and medications.
Staffed by physicians and pharmacists from Macao, the facility mirrors the operational model of Macao’s health centers, providing services such as adult, women’s, and children’s health care, as well as non-appointment outpatient services addressing common chronic conditions. According to staff at the health station, a pioneering step is that to access these accessible and familiar medical services within the mainland, Macao residents need only present their Resident Identity Card along with proof of residence or employment in Hengqin.
Furthermore, Hengqin Hospital has integrated Macao physicians into its medical team, offering diverse services to residents of both Hengqin and Macao. The “Hong Kong and Macao Medicine and Equipment Connect” policy facilitates the use of Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices in designated healthcare institutions within the Greater Bay Area.
Complementing these efforts is the SAR government’s Health Macao Blueprint, introduced in July 2024, which sets ambitious goals for 2030. The plan aims to improve public health literacy, promote healthy lifestyles, and control chronic diseases through policies emphasizing prevention, community healthcare, and active health management. This strategic vision aligns with Macao’s push to integrate health elements into all public policies, ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for its residents.
With its cutting-edge facilities, integration of traditional and modern medicine, and innovative policies, Macao is redefining health and wellness for its residents and beyond, not just ensuring its population’s well-being but also stepping onto the global stage as a leader in medical excellence and innovation.
– Courtesy of CGTN
Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Traditional Chinese Medicine products sold at a pharmacy in Macao
Macao New Neighborhood Health Station
