Healthcare subsidy scheme coverage of Guangdong to strengthen GBA Integration: Alvis Lo

Extending the Healthcare Subsidy Scheme to Guangdong “is a concrete step in implementing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA and the integrated development of Macau and Hengqin,” said Health Bureau director Alvis Lo.

He made the remarks Monday during a recent information session co-hosted by the Health Bureau (SSM) and the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.

This comes as authorities earlier this month announced that the healthcare subsidy scheme will be expanded to Guangdong this year, allowing eligible Macau healthcare professionals to extend their practice across the border and enabling residents to access subsidized medical services within the Greater Bay Area.

Speaking at the session, Lo framed the expansion as a core initiative tied to national and regional planning.

“2026 is the inaugural year of the nation’s ‘15th Five-Year Plan’ and Macau’s ‘Third Five-Year Plan,’” Lo said, according to the release. “Promoting appropriate economic diversification and deeper integration into national development strategies remain key priorities.”

The scheme currently includes approximately 1,300 Macau healthcare professionals. Under the 2026 expansion, those already enrolled may apply for their eligible medical facilities located in Guangdong to join the new year’s scheme.

Currently, there are 21 Macau-invested medical institutions in Guangdong province, the release stated. Fifteen of these are located within the Hengqin Cooperation Zone, while six are in other parts of the province. The facilities range from clinics to outpatient departments.

Lin Io Ieng, deputy head of the Health Division of the Cooperation Zone’s Livelihood Affairs Bureau, said her office would provide comprehensive support for Macau healthcare professionals seeking to practice or establish medical institutions in Hengqin.

“The Livelihood Affairs Bureau will fully cooperate with the SSM in implementing the Healthcare Subsidy Scheme,” Lin said, according to the release. She added that the bureau would combine the scheme with existing policies supporting Macau youth employment and investment incentives.

Representatives from the SSM provided detailed briefings on the policy background, the conditions and procedures for expanding the scope of the medical voucher scheme, and the qualification review standards for designated medical institutions.

Officials from the Cooperation Zone’s Economic Development Bureau also introduced the local investment and business environment, as well as related policy support measures.

During an interactive session, attendees raised questions on cross-border medical voucher operations, qualification review processes and application procedures for establishing medical institutions in Guangdong. The SSM and Cooperation Zone representatives responded to each question.

The expansion covers the Hengqin Cooperation Zone and other parts of Guangdong province. Officials said the initiative aims to create “seamless cross-regional healthcare coverage” while supporting Macau residents living and working in the GBA.