Charitable Healthcare's Impact in Macao: Two Convergence Models and Outpatient Data from Kiang Wu Hospital

Abstract

This research article examines the role of charitable healthcare facilities in shaping Macao's society, utilizing two convergence models (σ-convergence and β-convergence) and outpatient data from Kiang Wu Hospital, a notable charitable medical institution. The key findings reveal that the self-paying outpatient (SPO) numbers witnessed a steady increase. Conversely, the outpatient receiving free medical care (ORFMC) trend experienced a general decline over the entire period. This, in turn, influenced the ratio of ORFMC to SPO (ROS), reflecting a downward trajectory over the study period. Furthermore, the analysis of convergence indicated the changes of ORFMC and ROS gradually decreased throughout the sample period. This research highlights the evolving landscape of charitable healthcare contributions to Macao's society during the specified timeframe.