May-June. 2025 | The HEALTH
FOREIGN NEWS 07
Spotlighting health tourism
SANDS China Ltd. and the Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd.( GMTCM Park) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU). This agreement formalises their joint promotional effort to integrate the‘ Big Health’ tourism industry across Macao and Hengqin.
Key government and business leaders, including Macao Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, attended the signing ceremony of the MoU. Representatives from China Taiping, the Central Government’ s Liaison Office, and top executives from Sands China and GMTCM Park were also in attendance.
New digital plan for well-being
CHUBB Life Hong Kong is integrating well-being with its insurance offerings. To this end, the company has launched the Health Up Insurance Plan( Health Up), a digital insurance plan.
Health Up seeks to promote a lifestyle focused on preventive protection for individuals aged 18 to 55.
Chubb Life Hong Kong President and Head of North Asia, Belinda Au, underscored the company’ s dedication to addressing evolving customer needs, stating:“ We recognise the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to personal protection, health, and well-being in today’ s environment.”
Health Up provides term life coverage and accidental death protection at an annual premium of US $ 103. Additionally, it enhances accessibility to essential health services by offering partnerships with trusted providers like Comvita, Doctor’ s Choice, EC Healthcare, Eu Yan Sang, JP Partners Medical, Naturo Vita, and Vita Green.
Regarding the partnership, Sands China Chief Executive Officer( CEO) and President Grant Chum remarked:“ We hope to connect our tourism sector with Big Health by utilising resources within integrated resorts, organising conferences and exhibitions, and introducing health tourism products to make Macao a player in the emerging industry.”
Sands China and GMTCM Park will focus on integrating healthcare and tourism through their shared expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine( TCM) and wellness services, creating new opportunities.
Their collaborative efforts will encompass Big Health Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions( MICE). Furthermore, they also aim to introduce new Big Health tourism facilities and products across Sands China’ s resorts and GMTCM Park, offering premium health management and medical services to tourists and locals alike.
“ This collaboration marks the official launch of in-depth cooperation between the two parties in the field
MOMENTOUS OCCASION: Dignitaries and executives from Sands China and GMTCM Park gather on stage following the MoU signing.
THE NEXT FRONTIER: Belinda Au( centre) and Chubb Life Hong Kong Chief Partnership Distribution Officer Mercedes Ho( right) with Health Up partners.
These offers encompass medical checkups, hearing tests, dental scaling, and the opportunity to select from a variety of health supplements. Each year, policyholders can choose a health or wellness service that meets their individual needs. This can translate to greater engagement and better health outcomes.
There is a growing demand for of Big Health and tourism, carrying profound significance for advancing the cross-sector integration of Macao and Hengqin’ s‘ tourism +’ initiatives,” added GMTCM Park Chairman Wu Song.
With the introduction of the Big Health industry, Macao’ s 1 + 4 economic diversification strategy gains significant support. Moreover, by leveraging Macao’ s tourism infrastructure and Hengqin’ s industrial capacity, the initiative is poised to position the Greater Bay Area( GBA) as a regional hub for TCM.
Overall, this joint undertaking has the potential to position both Macao and Hengqin as leading destinations for health tourism in the region.
convenient and flexible access to health services. Chubb Life Hong Kong’ s digital platform is a response to this. It streamlines the application process, enabling users to apply for insurance online.
Ultimately, the introduction of Health Up suggests an industry in transition, aligning insurance plans with modern health and wellness trends.
Qatar’ s first TAVI
Dr Mohammed Al-Hijji
QATAR is enhancing its cardiovascular care, with Aman Hospital now providing the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation( TAVI) procedure.
The addition of TAVI to the hospital offers patients with severe aortic stenosis a minimally invasive alternative. Similar procedures already offered include mitral valve repair and closure of atrial septal defects.
The first TAVI procedure performed at the hospital, led by Aman Hospital Interventional and Structural Cardiologist Dr Mohammed Al-Hijji, was a resounding success. This breakthrough makes Aman Hospital the first private hospital in Qatar to achieve this.
“ This accomplishment reflects our dedication to pioneering cuttingedge cardiac interventions in Qatar. The successful TAVI procedure is a testament to our team’ s expertise and the hospital’ s advanced infrastructure, enabling us to provide exceptional care to patients with complex heart conditions,” said Dr Mohammed.
With the successful introduction of TAVI, Aman Hospital is poised to become Qatar’ s leading private-sector healthcare provider. Thus paving the way for future breakthroughs in the treatment of complex heart conditions.