World’s First Resort Hospital Launches in Macau as City Expands Beyond Gambling
Macau – the world’s most famous gambling destination – is branching into new territory with the opening of what is being called the world’s first “resort hospital.” The new facility, which opened this week inside the Studio City complex, marks the city’s bold step toward becoming a hub for healthcare tourism.
Studio City, a Hollywood-themed casino and entertainment resort owned by Hong Kong-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment, now houses the high-end medical centre. The hospital will offer luxury health services including advanced medical scans, full-body screenings, and cosmetic procedures, blending wellness with leisure under one roof.
Melco Resorts’ chief executive, Lawrence Ho, described the project as part of Macau’s broader plan to diversify its economy beyond gambling. “We’re combining healthcare and hospitality in a way that supports job creation, tourism, and long-term sustainability,” he said in a statement.
The new facility is being operated in partnership with iRad Hospital, a Hong Kong-based healthcare group known for its expertise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). iRad’s honorary chairman, Dennis Tam, said Macau’s status as a major tourism destination – with close to 40 million visitors annually – gives it a “unique opportunity” to establish itself as a medical tourism leader in Asia.
The hospital aims to attract both regional and international visitors, particularly those seeking wellness retreats, diagnostic services, or aesthetic treatments in a luxurious environment. Melco Resorts described the project as a “revolutionary” fusion of health and hospitality designed to extend visitor stays and increase spending in the city.
For nearly two decades, Macau has been synonymous with gaming, surpassing Las Vegas in gambling revenue in the early 2000s. However, its reliance on the industry – which provides most of its government tax income – left it vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when casino closures caused severe economic losses.
In recent years, Macau’s government has prioritised diversification, promoting sectors such as healthcare, technology, and large-scale events to reduce dependence on gaming.
Globally, medical tourism has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with Asia leading the trend. Countries like South Korea and Singapore have established reputations for premium medical care, while India and Turkey attract patients seeking more affordable treatments.
With its new resort hospital, Macau appears ready to claim a spot in that fast-growing market — merging the appeal of world-class healthcare with the luxury and entertainment experiences that made the city famous.
