Today, Macau has made huge strides toward diversifying its economy. It recently cut the ribbon on the region’s first-ever resort hospital. This cutting-edge, high-tech facility is located within the legendary Studio City, a Hollywood-themed casino and entertainment resort property owned by Melco Resorts and Entertainment. Its purpose is to make Macau one of the primary centers of medical tourism.
Macau’s economy has long been focused on leisure and gaming. Today, the state and federal governments are assertively courting new opportunities, seeking to broaden and supplement their concentrated economic base. Over the last two decades, Macau has been transformed into the world’s largest gambling mecca. It has now surpassed Las Vegas in revenue generation. Macau gets nearly 40 million visitors per year. This unique window to establish industries such as health care, tech and hospitality, among other businesses and events.
The newly opened resort hospital is designed to provide a range of medical services, including health screenings, advanced scans, and cosmetic procedures. This pilot program supports the development of medical tourism in Macau. It helps create jobs and combines healthcare with leisure activities in a very interesting way. Lawrence Ho, chief executive of Melco Resorts and Entertainment, leads the project, which reflects the region’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare offerings.
Dennis Tam, the honorary chairman of iRad, remains optimistic. In his view, Macau can become a world-class destination for the booming medical tourism industry. He points to examples such as Turkey and Asian countries, including South Korea and Singapore, which have lured tens of millions of visitors. These tourists are clamoring for body augmentations. This places Macau in a great position as it tries to ride this wave of this ever-increasing worldwide industry.
At the same time, Macau’s government is making a concerted effort to move its economy away from a reliance on gaming and entertainment. That’s where the resort hospital comes in. Resort hospitals’ primary role has a positive effect on fostering a sustainable economic model that includes the business of healthcare. By offering advanced medical facilities within a leisure context, Macau aims to enhance its appeal to both tourists and residents seeking high-quality health services.