Alvis Lo pledges to enhance quality of medical services

The Conde de S. Januário Hospital, operated by the Health Bureau (SSM), has been honored with the 2024 Golden Lotus Medal of Honor by the government.

This accolade is particularly significant as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of the hospital’s establishment.

According to Alvis Lo, SSM director, this recognition “serves as a testament to their hard work and commitment to healthcare.”

Speaking to the press yesterday, Lo said the hospital boasts 29 specialties and 24 subspecialties, providing over 1,100 beds—an increase of more than 1.5 times since the handover.

In 2023, it served approximately 805,000 patients. Currently, the average waiting time in emergency departments is around one hour, while initial consultations at specialist clinics have been reduced to three weeks.

Looking ahead, Lo said the hospital aims to enhance the quality of its medical services further, ensuring that it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the population effectively.

“This recognition not only celebrates past accomplishments but also sets a promising direction for future improvements in health services,” he said.

The government recently announced this year’s official honorees, including five recipients of the city’s second-highest award, the Golden Lotus Medal.

No Grand Lotuses, the highest accolade in the SAR, will be awarded this year.

The Golden Lotus medals will be presented at an awards ceremony on Nov. 29 to individuals and organizations including the Macao Holy House of Mercy, a charitable institution with a history spanning 455 years; Conde de S. Januário Hospital; lawyer and Executive Council member Leonel Alberto Alves; Peter Lam Kam Seng, Executive Council member and chairman of the University of Macau; and Chan Chak Mo, Executive Council member and president of the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau.

Additionally, two entities will receive Silver Lotus medals: the Industrial Association of Macau and Luso International Banking Limited.

The Medal of Merit for Culture will be awarded to Henrique Miguel Rodrigues de Senna Fernandes, a Macanese lawyer, playwright and theatre director. Staff Reporter