Macau has launched the world’s first resort hospital, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare tourism in the city. This innovative facility opened on a Monday in the prestigious Studio City, a unique entertainment resort managed by Melco Resorts and Entertainment, a company based in Hong Kong.
Overview of the Resort Hospital
The new hospital aims to integrate luxury medical services with leisure experiences, providing health screenings, advanced scans, and cosmetic procedures. This initiative was launched in collaboration with iRad Hospital, a private healthcare provider from Hong Kong that specializes in MRI scans.
Objectives of the Resort Hospital
- Promote medical tourism in Macau
- Create job opportunities
- Combine healthcare and entertainment offerings
Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Resorts, emphasized that the facility is part of Macau’s effort to diversify its economy beyond its traditional gambling focus. He stated that this “revolutionary” concept aims to attract regional and international visitors, encouraging longer stays and increased spending within the city.
Macau’s Medical Tourism Ambitions
Macau attracts nearly 40 million visitors annually, providing a substantial opportunity to become a leading destination in the medical tourism sector. Dennis Tam, the honorary chairman of iRad, commented on the unique opportunity the region presents in this growing industry.
Macau’s Economic Diversification
The introduction of the resort hospital aligns with Macau’s broader economic diversification plans. While the city has historically been known as a hub for gambling, authorities are seeking to expand into healthcare, technology, and event organization.
Global Context of Medical Tourism
The global medical tourism market is valued at tens of billions of dollars and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Asia has become increasingly popular for medical tourism, with wealthy patients traveling to:
- South Korea for cosmetic surgeries
- Singapore for advanced medical treatments
- India for economical healthcare options
- Turkey for affordable procedures, including dentistry and transplants
As Macau ventures into medical tourism, it aims to capture a part of this expanding market while continuing to thrive as a premier gambling destination.
