Islands Hospital offers 30% discount for paid services to residents

Macau residents will benefit from a 30% discount on paid medical services at the new Macau Union Hospital, but rates for services are expected to be adjusted, the hospital’s deputy director has said.

The Macau Union Hospital officially opened this week and will offer level two medical services to residents referred by the city’s Health Bureau who do not qualify for free care.

However, Lei Wai Seng said fees need updating as the fee structure has not changed in over 30 years while medical costs have risen.

“Medical fees have not been adjusted for more than 30 years and medical costs and reasonableness have changed,” Lei told Radio Macau. But he said any rate changes would keep costs “reasonable based on the affordability” of citizens.

Level two services include consultations, ultrasounds, radiology exams, and some lab tests.

Rates for these paid services have been set, with Macau residents receiving a 30% discount, according to Lei.

The hospital also offers level one free care for qualifying residents and level three private services.

Lei said level three international rates would take into account market conditions “to set an attractive price” for local residents and visitors.

The Emergency Department of Hospital Conde S. Januário was transferred to the new Macau Union Hospital late last year.

Since then, the Emergency Department at Macau Union Hospital has treated over 40,000 patients.

Lei said emergency medical services will eventually be fully operated in Macau Union Hospital as it continues to expand its integrated healthcare services.

Staffed by 80 local doctors and senior specialists from China, Macau Union Hospital now provides 25 outpatient specialties and has seen over 300 referred patients.

Lei aims to increase staff to 400 employees by year’s end. 

The Macau Union Hospital currently provides 25 specialist outpatient clinics and plans to gradually expand its services. It has also set up an academic week with forums on topics like oncology, cutting-edge technology, and international medical care to promote exchanges. Victoria Chan