Role of Private Medical Services in Macao: Two Convergence Models

Private medical institutions played a vital role in providing healthcare services to the Macao community, especially in the years leading up to 1980. This study examined the societal contribution of these institutions by analyzing inpatient data from Macao's largest private hospital service. The key findings were as follows. Firstly, there was a consistent upward trend in the number of new inpatients (NIs) and newly discharged inpatients (NDIs), indicating a gradual increase in Kiang Wu Hospital's impact on Macao. Secondly, Kiang Wu Hospital consistently delivered a high standard of medical care. Thirdly, the hospital's contribution exhibited significant fluctuations over time. Lastly, the β coefficients for NI were statistically significant, whereas NDI did not show a clear convergence pattern.