Melco to Develop New Hospital Facility at Studio City in Macau
Melco Announces New Healthcare Facility at Studio City
Melco Resorts & Entertainment is set to establish a new healthcare center within its Studio City resort located in Macau. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify Macau’s economy beyond its traditional gambling focus. In collaboration with iRad Imaging and Diagnostic Medical Center, the healthcare facility is scheduled to open on October 1, 2025.
Details of the New Medical Facility
The forthcoming hospital will span 12,600 square feet and primarily offer diagnostic and imaging services. According to corporate disclosures, the center will be equipped to conduct MRI and CT scans, mammography, ultrasound, and X-ray diagnostics. Studio City Retail Services Ltd (a Melco subsidiary) will handle the procurement and installation of the medical equipment, while iRad will oversee the daily management of the facility.
The partnership agreement is set to last until the end of 2034, with options to extend twice for five-year periods each. Under this contract, iRad will pay a monthly base rent starting at MOP 694,981 (approximately $86,700) or 1.5% of monthly sales, whichever amount is higher. From the fourth year onward, a management fee will also be applied. At the conclusion of the agreement, iRad will have the option to purchase the medical equipment at a minimal cost.
Support for Macau’s Healthcare Sector and Economic Diversification
Melco International has emphasized its commitment to enhancing Macau’s healthcare sector as part of the contractual obligations tied to current gaming licenses. Casino operators in Macau are required to invest heavily in non-gaming ventures. In support of this healthcare project, Melco will provide iRad with substantial financial assistance during the initial stages to cover startup expenses, staffing, and technological upgrades. Much of these funds are intended to attract skilled healthcare professionals, highlighting Macau’s dedication to becoming a hub for medical expertise.
Strategic Partnerships and Benefits for Community Health
The partnership extends to Melco’s senior leadership, with a family trust benefiting Chairman Lawrence Ho and his relatives owning just over 40% of iRad. Additionally, Black Spade Capital, an affiliated investment entity, has acquired a controlling interest in iRad while retaining the existing management team.
Melco has announced that both visitors and employees across its Macau properties—including Studio City, City of Dreams, and Altira—will have access to discounted health screening packages at the new center. This initiative supports Melco‘s broader objectives to improve community health and position Macau as an emerging destination for medical tourism.
Healthcare Initiative within Macau’s $13.6 Billion Non-Gaming Investment Plan
This hospital project is part of the comprehensive ten-year concession agreements signed in 2022, through which Macau’s six casino operators pledged to inject a combined total of MOP 108.8 billion (around $13.6 billion) into non-gaming sectors. The emergence of similar healthcare ventures by other casino firms signals a transformation in Macau’s resort landscape, with Studio City’s new medical facility serving as a prime example of this evolving focus.
