Fri, 01 March 2013
MUSCAT -- The detailed design of the masterplan for the proposed International Medical City (IMC) in Oman is ready, according to Apex Medical Group (AMG), the Saudi based developer of the estimated $1 billion project.
The masterplan was completed by PSOMAS, a leading US-based consulting engineering firm providing transportation and infrastructure engineering services to both governmental and private clients.
IMC is multi-phased development aimed at filling a healthcare gap in the region by offering expert services that patients from the GCC usually have to travel as far as Europe and the US, to get.
The development will include: The region's first multispecialty transplant centre; a 250-bed tertiary care multispecialty hospital; a high-tech diagnostic centre; a healthcare resort; a wellness centre; a luxury hotel; medical and nursing colleges; and a purpose-built research and development centre complex.
Internationally recognised Atkins Group developed a pre-concept masterplan for the project. The project is being developed by the Apex Medical Group (AMG), a part of the Saudi-based Al Joaib Holding.
Dr Abdullah Al Joaib, Apex Medical Group President, said: "Building on the rising trend of medical and health tourism, the International Medical City will be developed in a serene setting on the coast, just east of Salalah, where patients and their families may stay in an environment that is supportive and culturally aware of their individual lifestyles.
"Site layout and land uses have been carefully placed to provide synergy and promote interaction between related activities.
"IMC Masterplan design was performed with a careful look into sustainability of the project and with adherence to environmental regulations," he said.
Ross Baker, VP of PSOMAS, said: "PSOMAS provided strategic planning and infrastructure design to refine the International Medical City concept plans into a comprehensive technical master plan that integrated the building programme with infrastructure, site drainage and environmental constraints.
PSOMAS is pleased to play a role in the development of this strategic project and looks forward to a long term relationship with IMC."
The design plans have been submitted to Oman governmental authorities for final approval. AMG is in discussions with international and local contractors for the first phase of construction.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
