AGP Executive Report

Skin Cancer Alert in Macau: The Health Bureau (SSM) says men in Macau face higher skin cancer incidence than women, pointing to more sun exposure and lower sunscreen use; in 2024, skin cancer ranked 7th among new cancers (94 cases) with four deaths, and an event this Saturday (2–6pm) will promote prevention, early detection and early treatment. Sun-Smart Guidance: SSM urged residents to follow the “ABC” approach—Avoid peak sun (10am–4pm), Block with clothing/hat/sunglasses, and Cream with sunscreen reapplied every two hours—plus note that UV can still reach you on cloudy days. Animal Health & Wellbeing: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) launched a “World Animal Day” photography contest (Aug 1–Sept 11) focused on human–animal interaction and animal protection, with prizes and submissions by email. Family Medicine Booking Privacy: From Aug 15, family medicine clinic appointment bookings will only accept calls with caller ID, aiming to strengthen patient privacy. Local Health Talent Pipeline: UM’s Faculty of Medicine ran a Health Sciences Summer Camp for 70+ senior secondary students, mixing biomedical lessons with hands-on lab experience to spark interest in healthcare research. Health-Linked Trade & Compliance: Macau Customs reported 13 smuggling attempts last week, including cigarettes/e-cigarettes and injectable drugs; cases involving suspected smoking-law breaches were referred to the Health Bureau for follow-up.

Skin Cancer Watch (SSM): Macao’s Health Bureau says local men have higher skin cancer incidence than women, with a rising trend over the past decade linked to UV exposure and lower sun-protection awareness; residents are urged to follow the “ABC” approach—avoid peak sun, block with clothing/hat/sunglasses, and cream with sunscreen re-applied every two hours. Animal Health & Wellness (IAM): The Municipal Affairs Bureau opens submissions for its “Animal Protection and Healthy Companionship” photography contest for World Animal Day, running Aug 1–Sept 11, encouraging heartwarming human–animal moments that promote protection and love. Community Health Promotion (UM): University of Macau’s Faculty of Medicine ran a Health Sciences Summer Camp for 70+ senior secondary students, mixing biomedical lessons with hands-on lab work to spark interest in medical and healthcare research. Healthcare Access Update (SSM/HA): Hospital Authority measures start Aug 15 requiring caller ID for appointment bookings in family medicine clinics, aiming to strengthen patient privacy by limiting bookings to calls with caller ID. Public Health & Safety (Macau Customs): Macau Customs reports 13 smuggling attempts last week, including cigarettes and e-cigarette products, plus suspected injectable drugs—cases involving smoking-related items are referred for Health Bureau follow-up.

Macau–Fujian Health Cooperation: The 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference in Fuzhou saw both sides pledge to expand trade, finance, innovation and healthcare, with new agreements covering medical cooperation and university programmes. Public Health & Safety: Macau Customs intercepted 13 smuggling attempts at MIA and the HZMB, seizing about MOP900,000 in items including cigarettes, e-cigarette products, cosmetics and injectable drugs; cases involving tobacco/e-cigarettes were also flagged for follow-up under anti-smoking rules. Anti-Drug Moves: The government drafted urgent amendments to Macau’s anti-drug law to add new UN-listed narcotics/psychotropics and tighten controls on etomidate analogues, targeting substances with no recognized medical use. Infant Formula Monitoring: Authorities reported continued lead-level surveillance after testing additional Frisolac Prestige samples, with no lead poisoning detected among those seeking medical consultation. Local Wellness & Medical Tourism: CNN’s Meanwhile in Asia featured iRad Hospital at Studio City, highlighting Macau’s push for medical and wellness tourism through screenings and preventive care. Health Tech Education: UM launched five new science/tech faculties and two research institutes, plus new postgraduate tracks including medicinal food and nutritional sciences.

Hospital & Patient Access: Macau’s Hospital Authority will require caller ID for appointment bookings in family medicine clinics starting Aug 15, with clinics only accepting calls that show caller ID to protect patient privacy. Public Health & Safety: The government has drafted urgent amendments to Macau’s anti-drug law to add new narcotics and psychotropic substances, including seven etomidate analogues linked to “space oil,” for faster legislative control. Food & Drug Regulation: The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau warned residents about “Dermasa,” a topical product found adulterated with Western anaesthetics (lidocaine, tetracaine, prilocaine), urging people not to buy or use it and to surrender any stock. Health Tech & Wellness Tourism: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s push into medical and wellness tourism with integrated screenings and preventive care. Local Research & Training: UM launched five new science/tech faculties and two research institutes (smart city tech; AI and brain sciences), and an UM undergraduate team won a national life sciences prize for an inflammatory bowel disease project using ginger-derived exosome delivery. Diabetes Care Manufacturing: Innogen Pharmaceuticals gained PIC/S GMP certification for its Suzhou facility, aiming to speed Efsubaglutide alfa registration and expansion in Brazil and other PIC/S markets. Community Health Promotion: Caritas Macau’s charity run returns Oct 11 at UM with categories including a 5 km health run and an inclusive option, supporting home-care and other social enterprises.

Emergency Care Update: Macau’s Health Bureau says average public hospital ER wait times fell 10% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with Category 2 patients averaging 16 minutes and Category 3 45 minutes, as staffing is adjusted to demand and the Macau Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital handled over 15% of public emergency cases. Patient Privacy: From August 15, Hospital Authority family medicine clinic appointment bookings will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risk. Medical Tourism Spotlight: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s push to grow medical and wellness tourism through integrated screenings and preventive care. University Health Tech Push: UM launched five science and technology faculties and two research institutes (Smart City Technologies; AI and Brain Sciences), plus new postgraduate plans including medicinal food and nutritional sciences for 2027/28. Infant Formula Safety: Authorities reported no issues in 13 “Frisolac Prestige” samples and stepped up lead monitoring after earlier elevated lead concerns. Workforce & Wellbeing: A Macau Federation of Trade Unions survey finds jobseekers—especially young and middle-aged unemployed—struggle most due to limited experience, skill mismatch, and pay expectations, with many relying on personal networks.

Medical Tourism & Wellness: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macao’s push to grow medical and wellness tourism by combining health screenings and aesthetic services with resort stays. University Health & Innovation: The University of Macau launched five new science-and-technology faculties (including Medicine) and two research institutes, aiming to support Macau’s diversification and new postgraduate programmes such as medicinal food and nutrition sciences. Public Health & Safety: The Health Bureau, with ISAF and IAM, ordered withdrawal of Dutch infant formula “Frisolac Prestige Stage 1” after lead levels exceeded legal limits, while reporting expanded testing found no further irregularities and setting up a paediatric emergency “green channel.” Hospital Privacy: From August 15, Family Medicine Clinics’ phone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect patient data and reduce impersonation risk. Emergency Care Access: SSM said average public emergency department waiting times fell 10% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with Category 2 averaging 16 minutes. Community & Prevention: SSM marked World Hepatitis Day with a campaign focused on hepatitis B prevention. Health & Lifestyle in Macau: A study on Macau spa therapists’ wellbeing points to workplace relationships, financial security, emotional support, and personal circumstances—not just physical health. Health-Adjacent Culture: Caritas Macau’s 2026 charity run (Oct 11) returns with multiple categories, including a 5 km health run.

Drug Policy Update: Macau’s government has drafted amendments to its anti-drug law, proposing to add new substances to the drug list, including seven analogues of etomidate (linked to “space oil”), with an urgent legislative process planned. Public Health Alert: The Health Bureau, with ISAF and IAM, ordered the withdrawal and recall of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula after lead levels exceeded Macau’s legal limit; authorities expanded testing and set up a “green channel” for paediatric emergency care, reporting no lead-poisoning emergencies among those seeking help. Medicine Safety Watch: ISAF warned residents about “Dermasa,” a topical product allegedly adulterated with Western anaesthetics (lidocaine, tetracaine, prilocaine), urging people not to buy or use it and to surrender any stocks. Hospital Privacy: Starting August 15, Family Medicine Clinics’ telephone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risks. Emergency Care Access: SSM said average public emergency department waiting times fell in the first half of 2026, with Category 2 averaging 16 minutes, and noted capacity support from the Macau Medical Centre’s ICU. University Health & Tech: UM launched five new science and technology faculties and two research institutes, including the Faculty of Medicine, plus plans for new postgraduate programmes such as medicinal food and nutrition sciences.

Drug Control: Macau’s government has drafted amendments to its anti-drug law to add new substances to the drug list, including seven etomidate analogues linked to “space oil,” with an urgent legislative process planned. Medicine Safety: The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau warned that Hong Kong’s Department of Health flagged a topical product (“Dermasa”) adulterated with Western prescription-only anaesthetics (lidocaine, tetracaine, prilocaine), urging residents not to buy or use it. Infant Formula Lead Scare: Health and related bureaus ordered removal and recall of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 after lead exceeded Macau’s legal limit, set up a paediatric emergency “green channel,” and reported expanded follow-up testing with no lead-poisoning emergencies among those seeking care. Hospital Access & Privacy: From Aug 15, Family Medicine Clinics’ phone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect patient data and reduce impersonation risks. Emergency Care Capacity: SSM said average public emergency department waiting times fell 10% year-on-year in H1, with Category 2 averaging 16 minutes, and highlighted added capacity from the Macau Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. UM Innovation Push: UM launched five science/tech faculties and two research institutes to strengthen innovation and talent for Macau’s diversification. Public Health & Wellness Work: A local study spotlighted spa therapists’ wellbeing in Macao, shaped by workplace relationships, financial stability, emotional resilience, and personal life factors.

Family Medicine Access Update: From Aug 15, Macau’s Hospital Authority will only accept telephone appointment bookings for Family Medicine Clinics from numbers with caller ID, aiming to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risks. Infant Formula Safety Follow-up: Health and related bureaus ordered removal and recall of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 after lead was found above Macau’s legal limit; authorities set up a paediatric emergency “green channel” and expanded testing of additional samples, with no lead-poisoning emergencies reported among those seeking care. Emergency Care Performance: SSM says average public hospital emergency department waiting times fell 10% year-on-year in H1, with Category 2 averaging 16 minutes; staffing deployment and ICU capacity at Macau Medical Centre continue to be refined. Self-Health Checks: SSM plans more self-service kiosks for physical and mental health checks, building on existing blood pressure monitoring points and chronic disease screening, with results tracked via “My Health.” Breastfeeding Support: Macau reports 370 breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, with the Health Bureau highlighting workplace, campus, and family support efforts. Health & Wellness Research: A Macau Business/UTM study finds spa therapists’ wellbeing is shaped by workplace relationships, financial security, emotional support, and personal circumstances—not just physical health.

Family Medicine privacy update: From Aug 15, Macau Hospital Authority telephone appointment bookings for Family Medicine Clinics will only accept calls with caller ID, aiming to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risk. Emergency care capacity: SSM says average public emergency department waiting times fell 10% year-on-year in H1, with Category 2 at 16 minutes, and notes the Macau Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital handling over 15% of caseloads. Infant formula safety: Macau health and food authorities ordered withdrawal and recall of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 after lead was found above the legal limit, while expanded testing reported no lead issues in additional samples and no lead-poisoning emergencies among those seeking care. Self-health push: SSM plans more self-service kiosks for physical and mental checks, plus chronic disease screening and a “Healthy Lifestyle Competition” tracked via the “My Health” platform. Breastfeeding support: Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, with SSM highlighting workplace, campus, and family support. Health access logistics: A temporary shuttle bus links Conde de São Januário General Hospital and Macao Union Medical Center with expanded trips on weekends and public holidays.

Hospital Access & Privacy: From Aug 15, Macau’s Hospital Authority will only accept appointment-booking calls to Family Medicine Clinics if the caller ID is shown, aiming to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risks. Emergency Care Update: SSM says average public emergency department waiting times in H1 fell 10% year-on-year to 54 minutes, with Category 2 at 16 minutes and Category 3 at 45 minutes; the Macau Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital is handling over 15% of cases. Infant Formula Safety: Health Bureau, ISAF and IAM say removing a Dutch Frisolac Prestige batch with lead above the legal limit is standard international practice; 48 cans were recalled and expanded testing found no anomalies, with no lead-poisoning emergencies reported. Public Health Self-Management: SSM plans more self-health kiosks for physical and mental checks, plus chronic disease screening and a Healthy Lifestyle Competition tracked via “My Health.” Breastfeeding Support: Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms, and the bureau reports a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%. Wellness in Focus: A local study highlights how spa therapists’ wellbeing is shaped by workplace relationships, financial security, emotional support and personal life—not just physical health. Cross-Boundary Travel: Hong Kong’s Transport Department opens 1,400 HZMB regular quotas for Macao applications from Aug 7. University & Health Innovation: UM starts five new tech faculties and two research institutes, and hosted a cancer vaccine lecture on personalised prevention. Travel Risk Rules: China’s new regulation tightens overseas travel risk prevention and exit-entry application requirements from Sept 15.

Infant Formula Safety: Macau’s Health Bureau, ISAF and IAM said a Dutch Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 batch was pulled after lead was found above the legal limit, with hospitals setting up a paediatric “green channel”; follow-up testing and expanded sampling reported no lead-poisoning emergencies, and later updates said 13 samples showed no abnormalities. Healthcare Access & Privacy: From Aug 15, Family Medicine Clinics’ phone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risks. Emergency Care Performance: SSM reported average public emergency department waiting times fell 10% year-on-year in H1, with Category 2 averaging 16 minutes, and noted capacity boosts including a new ICU. Self-Health & Chronic Care: SSM plans self-service kiosks for physical and mental checks, plus expanded chronic disease screening and lifestyle promotion via the “My Health” platform. Maternal Support: Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms, with a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, as the city marks World Breastfeeding Week. Public Health Logistics: A temporary shuttle bus links Conde de São Januário General Hospital and Macao Union Medical Center to help patient travel. Community Health Infrastructure: Macau also reported more blood pressure monitoring points and screening findings, supporting ongoing prevention efforts.

Family Medicine privacy upgrade: Starting Aug 15, Macau’s Hospital Authority will only accept appointment-booking calls from phones with caller ID for Family Medicine Clinics, aiming to better protect personal data and reduce impersonation risks. Emergency care improvement: SSM says average public hospital emergency department waiting times in the first half of 2026 fell 10% year-on-year to 54 minutes, with Category 2 down to 16 minutes and Category 3 to 45 minutes, as staffing and capacity (including the Macau Medical Centre’s ICU) are refined. Infant formula lead scare response: Health, food and municipal authorities moved quickly after a Dutch Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 sample exceeded Macau’s lead limit, removing and recalling the product, expanding testing, and setting up paediatric emergency “green channels” and fast-track support; follow-up checks found no lead-poisoning emergencies among those who sought care. Breastfeeding support: The Health Bureau reports Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, highlighting workplace, campus and family support efforts. Health self-check push: SSM plans more self-service kiosks for physical and mental health checks, building on community screening and the “My Health” platform. Access for patients: A temporary shuttle bus links Conde de São Januário General Hospital and Macao Union Medical Center with expanded hours, including weekends and public holidays.

Infant Formula Safety in Focus: Macau’s Health Bureau says removing a Dutch “Frisolac Prestige” batch from shelves is standard international practice after lead was found above the legal limit, with hospitals setting up a paediatric “green channel” and expanded testing showing no anomalies in additional samples. Public Health Access: The Health Bureau and Macao Union Medical Center launched a temporary shuttle bus to help patients travel between Conde de São Januário General Hospital and Macao Union Medical Center, with more trips on weekends and public holidays. Self-Health Push: The Health Bureau plans self-service kiosks for physical and mental health checks, building on existing blood pressure monitoring points and chronic disease screening, with results tracked via the “My Health” platform. Maternal & Child Support: Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms, and the Health Bureau reports the breastfeeding initiation rate is above 90%, highlighting workplace, campus, and family support efforts. Local Clinical Care: Macau Union Hospital and visiting specialists from Peking Union Medical College Hospital performed complex spinal deformity correction surgeries on two scoliosis patients, marking a milestone for high-risk procedures. Cancer Prevention Education: UM hosted the Dr Stanley Ho Memorial Lecture on personalised vaccines for cancer prevention, bringing international immuno-oncology expertise to Macau. Health System Updates: Macau also reported a critical case of influenza A in a 73-year-old man with chronic diseases, now in ICU after cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Infant Formula Lead Alert: Macau authorities and partners kept tightening checks after lead was found in “Frisolac Prestige” infant formula (batch 1W07KPJ; 0.2 mg/kg vs the 0.02 mg/kg limit), with follow-up testing finding no anomalies in additional samples and no lead-poisoning emergencies reported among families who sought care; a dedicated paediatric emergency fast track, hotline, and special outpatient clinic were set up to support infants. Breastfeeding Support: The Health Bureau reported 370 breastfeeding rooms across public and private settings, with a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, and highlighted workplace, campus, and family support efforts. Cancer Immunology Education: University of Macau hosted the Dr Stanley Ho Memorial Lecture on personalised vaccines for cancer prevention, bringing in an Oxford expert and focusing on future vaccine approaches. Hospital Access Update: The Health Bureau and Macao Union Medical Center launched a temporary shuttle bus between Conde de São Januário General Hospital and the centre, with expanded hours from 1 August for patients needing travel. Flu Case in Macau: A 73-year-old man with chronic conditions was reported in critical condition after influenza A led to cardiac and respiratory arrest, despite having received a seasonal flu vaccine. Tobacco Control Training: Macau’s Department of Health rolled out its 2026 tobacco control training programme for WHO Western Pacific professionals, with 900+ registrants. Complex Spine Surgery Milestone: Peking Union Medical College Hospital specialists helped Macao Union Hospital perform highly complex spinal deformity correction surgeries for severe scoliosis patients.

Infant Formula Safety Watch: Macau’s food and health authorities are still on high alert after lead was flagged in Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 (batch 1W07KPJ). The Centre for Food Safety says it collected 50+ market samples over July 25–28 and found no lead exceedances versus the local standard, while the Health Bureau, ISAF and IAM report inspections, a paediatric emergency “green channel,” a hotline and a specialised clinic—no lead-poisoning emergencies were identified among those seeking care. Breastfeeding Support: The Health Bureau says Macau now has 370 breastfeeding rooms across public and private settings, with a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, and highlights ongoing workplace, campus and family support efforts. Cancer Prevention Research: UM hosted the 2026 Dr Stanley Ho Memorial Lecture on personalised cancer vaccines, featuring Oxford immuno-oncology expert Tim Elliott, as part of the university’s 45th anniversary. Complex Care Milestone: PUMCH-linked Macao Union Hospital reports its first emergency percutaneous coronary intervention to save a mainland tourist after cardiac arrest. Public Health Campaigns: World Hepatitis Day activities promoted hepatitis B prevention and testing, including pop-up education and mental health promotion. Tobacco Control Training: Macau’s Department of Health launched its 2026 tobacco control training programme with 900+ participants from the WHO Western Pacific Region.