Earlier this week, on International Nurses’ Day, the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) and its affiliated lawmakers called for urgent government action to ease the mounting pressure on healthcare workers amid the city’s aging population and rising chronic disease problem.
Macau currently has 4.4 nurses per 1,000 people, totalling 2,980 nurses in 2023, but experts warn this is insufficient to meet the needs of the society – with 20% of residents over 65.
FAOM cites that the government aims to increase the nurse ratio to between 5.5 and 6 per 1,000, requiring 150 to 180 new nurses annually.
During the visit, one of the nurses raised concerns over an impending retirement wave and stressed the need for policies to attract young talent.
FAOM’s advocacy urges for the government to enhance community healthcare services, such as expanding home-visit nursing teams and integrated community health centers staffed by nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation therapists.
The union also called for better wages and clear career pathways to retain nursing staff.
“Supporting nurses means supporting a healthier, more productive Macau,” lawmaker Ella Lei said. Nadia Shaw
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