Muscat :
The promoters of the International Medical City (IMC) project planned in Salalah say they have made significant headway in preparing the groundwork for the actual physical development of the estimated $1 billion scheme. Phase 1 of the ambitious development, touted as the “change agent” that will eventually place the Sultanate of Oman on the world health tourism map, is expected to be kicked off in the coming months, according to a key representative of the Saudi-based Apex Medical Group, which is overseeing the implementation of the prestigious venture. Almost all of the major milestones leading to the commencement of work on the project have so far been achieved, said Dr Naeema Aziz, Chief Operating Officer. They include permits and licenses, as well as studies necessary to advance the project through to the groundbreaking stage, Dr Aziz told delegates attending the Focus Day proceedings of the Oman Construction Summit 2014 at Crowne Plaza Muscat yesterday. The three-day event has been organised by IQPC of Dubai in association with Global Exhibitions & Conferences of Oman.
The massive development, designed to position Oman as a global medical tourism hub, will be constructed on an 866,000 sq metre site leased from the Ministry of Tourism. It will essentially feature three major components — a healthcare resort with staff accommodations, healthcare complex, and healthcare education complex — development of which will take place over two phases. The centrepiece is a 530-bed multi-tertiary hospital catering to 21 different specialties. Underlining the progress made thus far in the development of the scheme, Dr Aziz said the engineering design of the project infrastructure has been completion, with a Request for Proposals (RfP) due to be floated soon for the construction of the main hospital. “We are in the process of prequalifying the designers and contractors for the healthcare component of the project. For the detailed engineering design and construction of the hospital, we have decided to approach specialised firms that have substantial experience in this field,” the Chief Operating Officer said.
Also ongoing is the detailed engineering design of the hospitality component (centring on the healthcare resort). “We are in the process of appointing a detailed hospitality designer, an EPC (engineering-procurement-construction) contractor, and a technical supervisor,” Dr Aziz said, adding that negotiations are ongoing with two potential candidates for the operation of the healthcare resort. Over the 2014-2015 timeframe, the focus will shift to the infrastructure development of the project, as well as the engineering design of the healthcare component and the hotel apartments. The main multi-tertiary hospital is slated for pre-commissioning in 2016 ahead of its planned launch in the second half of 2017, she said. Phase 1 of the project, towards which around $300 million have been earmarked by the promoters, will generate significant contracting, service and other business opportunities for local and international companies, Dr Aziz added.
(OEPPA Business Development Dept)
source: http://www.main.omanobserver.om / Oman Daily Observer / Home> Business / by Oman Observer> Business / by Conrad Prabha / Sunday – January 26th, 2014
