“In 2009 the Government started planning construction of the Islands District Medical Complex, they decided on the location in 2010, and they commenced works in 2011, with completion scheduled for 2014 – a date postponed to 2019 for the first phase and to 2020 for the second. The Government later stated construction would not be completed in 2019 and that it was not possible to establish a completion date, or the costs.” – Zheng Anting, legislator, 2019
Patient: enduring, uncomplaining, acquiescent.
These words come to mind when considering the planned Islands District Medical Complex – intent announced in 2009, formalized 25 February 2010 and expected to be ready ten years later.
In the end, Chui Sai On would not get the chance to preside over the hospital’s pre-inauguration at the end of his term.
His successor, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, may not want to commit himself, but a part of it (namely the main building) is likely to be operational by 2024, towards the end of his first term.
In this special report we take stock of the situation and gather explanations for the great many delays.
Looking ahead, this report addresses other issues – such as Mainland China-based health care provision for Macau SAR residents – to understand what smart health care is and to discuss the healthcare industry’s potential, as put forth by the Government, as a driver for economic diversification.
