Culture and Sport - Macao Yearbook

Part 2 Chapter 10
Health and Social Welfare
Health and Social Welfare
In line with the Government’s policy of building a quality society, a long-term objective of Macao’s
health authorities is to enhance the quality of medical and health care, thus safeguarding and
improving public health.
During 2008, the Health Bureau continued to implement its policy of “A sound health care
system, putting prevention first”. Through improving the system, adjusting policies, allocation of
resources and scientific management, the bureau actively develops a quality medical system and
provides full health services. To prevent and control severe epidemics, the Government strengthened
the structure and functions of public health authorities, and formulated the corresponding laws and
ancillary measures to handle different threats. It also developed response strategies and mechanisms
to tackle new forms of pandemic influenza, thus strengthening disease prevention and control to
practically safeguard citizens’ physical and mental health.
Public Health
The MSAR’s standard of public health care is comparable to that of developed countries and regions.
According to Health Bureau statistics for 2008, the ratio of doctors to residents was one to 436,
that of nurses to residents was one to 388, and that of hospital beds (excluding outpatient beds)
to residents was one to 533. The general mortality rate was 3.2 per thousand inhabitants, while
the mortality rate for infants under one year old was 3.2 per thousand live births. The average life
expectancy in Macao was 82 years (2004-2007).
According to the ICD-10-CM classification system (International Classification of Disease,
Tenth Edition, Clinical Modification), malignant tumours were the biggest cause of death in Macao,
while circulatory diseases and respiratory diseases ranked second and third, respectively. In 2008,
these three categories accounted for 31 percent, 27.6 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively, of all
deaths during the year.
Health Bureau
The Health Bureau is supervised by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, and its functions
are:
• To plan and implement measures to protect public health and prevent disease;
• To provide primary and specialist health care services, and take preventive measures in the
event of any incidents that endanger public health;
• To cooperate with other authorised agencies and assist in rehabilitating the sick;
• To conduct research into health sciences;
• To train or facilitate the training of health care professionals;
• To supervise and support all entities working in the health sector;
• To offer technical support to health units throughout Macao; and
• To provide forensic services.
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