The Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), located in south Cotai, started operations yesterday, when an opening ceremony was held there in the morning.
The healthcare complex started its trial operation last December.
The healthcare facility, aka Macao Union Hospital, is operated by PUMCH in collaboration with the Macau government thanks to the central government’s support.
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission Cao Xuetao and Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng attended the opening ceremony.
Ho Iat Seng noted in his opening speech that the medical centre, established with the support of the nation, is a large comprehensive public healthcare institution, representing an important milestone in the development of Macau’s healthcare sector and signifying cooperation between Macau and the mainland in the field of health under the framework of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
“With the establishment of the hospital, Macau is expected to integrate more effectively into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) national strategy, leverage its unique regional advantages, and promote the development of high-end medical tourism and the development of Macau’s ‘Big Health’ sector,” Ho noted.
Cao said in his speech that the medical project is a distinctive initiative in implementing the central government’s directives for Macau.
He noted that the hospital is an important project of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government aimed at benefiting local residents. Simultaneously, it aims to become a regional medical centre “rooted in the Greater Bay Area, radiating towards Southeast Asia and embracing globalisation”.
According to a statement provided by the hospital yesterday, cancer ranks as the leading cause of death in Macau, and the Macao Union Hospital has installed the city’s most comprehensive radiotherapy equipment.
The statement also noted that regarding the hospital’s medical service fees, charges are divided into three levels. The first level is free medical care, available to Macau residents who currently enjoy free specialised public healthcare services. Upon referral from the Health Bureau (SSM) to the Macau Union Hospital, they can continue to receive the same free medical services.
The second level is fee-based medical care, including considerations for providing appropriate discounts to local residents. Non-local residents such as those holding non-resident worker (NRW) or student ID cards, as well as special residence permits for long-term stays will be charged standard rates.
The third level falls under private healthcare services, offering high-end medical service options with charges based on market prices for high-end medical services internationally, while discounts for local residents will also be considered, according to the statement.
Peking Union Medical College President Zhang Shuyang noted in her speech that the Macao Union Hospital will enhance its capabilities in treating extraordinarily complicated diseases, prioritise meeting public healthcare needs, and achieve the goal of allowing Macau residents to receive major treatments locally, without having to leave Macau.
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah (left), Vice Minister of the National Health Commission Cao Xuetao (right) and Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng officiate at the opening ceremony of the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) yesterday morning. – Photo: William Chan
