Gov’t ad unclear about medical voucher regulations

A Macau resident told the Times that, in a recent medical appointment, he was not allowed to use his son’s health voucher for himself, as he’s not a permanent resident. The information is included in the vouchers, but some parents might be confused by a government ad broadcast by TDM, which states that vouchers could be swapped between children and parents. The cases of non-permanent resident parents with permanent resident children (because they were born in Macau and fill the criteria for permanent residency) cover mostly expats and mainlanders who obtained residency less than seven years ago.
In fact, according to the regulations, medical vouchers provided by the Macau government can only be exchanged between particular family members (wife/husband or children and parents) if all are permanent residents.
The Health Bureau told the Times that, indeed, health vouchers provided by the Macau government only apply to permanent residents, even when there are cases in which children are permanent residents, but their parents aren’t.
“The various policies [provided by the government] benefiting Macau’s population address different individuals depending on [specific] needs, therefore beneficiaries vary,” said the Health Bureau.
The department hinted that the law is clear regarding the matter, as it states that health vouchers address permanent residents, who are able to print and use the medical vouchers. If a parent wishes to use his or her children’s vouchers, or vice-versa, he needs to be a permanent resident, too.
Before August 31, the last day that residents were able to print and use 2013 medical vouchers, government advertisements were aired by local broadcasters to inform residents of issuing and printing procedures for medical vouchers. It was mentioned in the advert that medical vouchers may be exchanged between family members, such as parents and sons; however, there was no mention that such a rule only applies if all are permanent residents.
The Health Bureau stressed that, through advertisements in local media, the government aims to emphasize that the rule regarding the exchanging of medical vouchers only addresses particular family members.
The Times questioned the bureau on whether such an ad could lead to misunderstandings.
However, the bureau pointed out that its website, as well as flyers and information on medical vouchers, states clearly that these can only be used by permanent residents. CP