Queenstown eyed as 'medical mecca'

Queenstown could become an international mecca for regenerative medicine, with a Chinese delegation in the resort to negotiate opening a $10 million to $20m medical complex.

The delegation included businessman Xia Jie, owner of the largest chain of diagnostic and wellness clinics across China, who has been meeting the Queenstown Lakes District Council, developers, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce and Destination Queenstown as part of a four-day "fact-finding mission".

Proposed sites for the medicine and medical research centre have been investigated at Remarkables Park, Five Mile and Jack's Point.

Xia's company operates the Health 100 brand, with more than 7 million patients so far this year.

If given the green light, the centre could attract up to 10,000 international clients from China and across the globe annually.

United States-based reproductive endocrinologist, sexual and regenerative medical specialist Dr Sam Wood and stem-cell expert Professor Richard Boyd, of Melbourne's Monash University, were part of the delegation.

The proposed world-class centre could make Queenstown an important hub for regenerative medicine, Wood said.

Queenstown was being looked at because of it world-class tourism status, established "four seasons" appeal and the recreational activities on offer.

People who wanted high-end treatment wanted to go to nice places and it was common for people in the US to travel to Aspen, Colorado, Wood said.

He was hoping to introduce to Queenstown procedures he helped develop in the US, such as vampire facelifts, breast lifts and flagship "M" and "O" shots to aid male and female sexual dysfunction. As well as being a research facility, the centre would be a mecca for high-profile athletes needing rehabilitation, low-level surgeries and imaging services. It was also hoped to expand stem-cell therapy on offer in the area.

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Queenstown eyed as 'medical mecca'