Clinic suspended on suspicion of providing reproductive services

Some of the equipment found at the clinic

The Health Bureau (SSM) has suspended the activities of the Mayo Medical Center – Macau for a period of 90 days on suspicion of the practice of illegal medical services related to assisted reproduction.

The SSM stated that this action was based on an anonymous complaint, which resulted in a surprise inspection to the medical facility on October 20.  During the inspection, it was found that there was “a hidden division and evidence of illegal clinical practices.”

According to the bureau’s records, the clinic had obtained licensing to provide health-related services in May this year but such licensing did not include assisted reproductive services.

According to the inspection made by the SSM in cooperation with the Public Security Police Force (PSP), a hidden room with a concealed door was found, that was not part of floor plan given to the SSM when the licensing application was made.

In the room many types of equipment and materials used to perform reproductive procedures were found, such as microscopes, a biochemical table, a biological safety cabinet, a cell incubator, liquid nitrogen, an anesthesia machine, a life support monitor, a surgical table and several other surgical materials.

Considering the continuous operation of the Mayo Medical Center as a public health risk, the SSM proceeded with sealing equipment and materials found and notified the license holder of the suspension of the Center’s activities for a period of 90 days in order to allow a further investigation.

In early June several other clinics were also put under investigation by the SSM. At that time, the Bureau reaffirmed that the use of such techniques were prohibited as they “involve ethical, legal, psychological, social and human issues. An inadequate provision of these [services] may incur several risks, including the eventual transmission of infectious diseases.” The Bureau continued, reminding the public that such techniques can only be provided at the Conde de S. Januário Hospital Center and at private health institutions that possess emergency services as well as obstetrics and neonatal intensive care units.