Specialist wait times now average 1.6 weeks

Amid concerns over escalating demand for hospital rehabilitation services linked to Macau’s rapidly aging population, the Health Bureau (SSM) recently announced that in the first half of 2025, waiting times for first-time consultations in physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinics dropped by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year.

In a written response to lawmaker Ella Lei, deputy director Kuok Cheong U revealed that outpatient visits to rehabilitation clinics have remained steady at around 10,000 annually.

He stated that despite stable patient numbers, the average waiting time for specialist outpatient consultations shortened from about three weeks in early 2024 to approximately 1.6 weeks in the first half of 2025, reflecting “significant improvements in service efficiency”.

Referring to DSEC’s “Macau Population Projection 2022–2041,” Lei warned that demand for these therapies will surge as Macau approaches a super-aged society by 2029. “Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy professionals play an indispensable role in community health promotion, long-term care, and rehabilitation services,” she wrote.

The increasing need for rehabilitation is especially critical for elderly individuals recovering from illness or injury, or living with chronic diseases or disabilities. These therapies help patients improve strength, regain confidence, and maintain independence.

Inpatient rehabilitation often requires hospital stays ranging from one week to a month, with most patients participating in at least three hours of therapy daily.

According to the SSM, Macau currently employs 34 physiotherapists, 35 occupational therapists, and 12 speech therapists across hospital departments, providing approximately 150 rehabilitation beds dedicated to geriatric care. In its response it also stated that subsidized rehabilitation centers add nearly 240 beds to support these services.

Community and long-term care facilities, funded by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), also contribute to meeting demand. In its response, the bureau noted that these centers employ 36 physiotherapists, 11 occupational therapists, and two speech therapists, serving roughly 3,800 users.

To further address future needs, the SSM highlighted that the government is building a 300-bed rehabilitation hospital at the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center in Cotai.

The SSM wrote, “To ensure service quality and efficiency, the SAR government will comprehensively consider the building’s opening schedule, overall medical resource allocation, and the aging population trend, formulating a scientific therapist staffing plan to meet actual needs.”

Efforts to strengthen workforce capacity have also been accelerated. The bureau said that it has doubled accreditation exams and internships to expedite new graduates’ entry into rehabilitation professions. It also noted that it recognizes overseas training and offers programs that support continued educational development as well as providing pre-employment guidance.

Citing the need for long-term strategic planning, Lei urged authorities to continue optimizing rehabilitation services and workforce development. She recommended that officials “optimize Macau’s rehabilitation service system as soon as possible, especially formulating mid- to long-term development plans for the reserve of the three types of therapists.”

In 2024, Macau had 531 registered Category III therapists, with about 50 therapists expected to graduate annually through 2027, which the SSM said would help “address human resourcing needs.”