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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Omani-Italian JV plans RO 100m specialty hospital

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Local Omani firm Elixir United Investment LLC, a subsidiary of the well-diversified business enterprise Al Jazeera International Group, is partnering with an Italian investment fund to develop a specialty hospital in Muscat Governorate at a cost of around RO 100 million.


This was revealed by Dr Amal al Ghailani, Project Manager — Elixir Investment, during the signing of an agreement between Elixir United Investment LLC and Italian engineering consultancy Sering International LLC [Oman Unit], for the conceptual design of the new specialty hospital project.


Signing on behalf of Elixir was its Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Nasser al Hashar, while Sering International was represented by Sergio Di Maio, CEO & General-Manager of Sering International.


Speaking to journalists, Dr Al Ghailani said the Italian investment fund, which she declined to name, will take a 70 per cent stake in the project, with Elixir holding the remaining 30 per cent. Local banks will facilitate the financing of the project. The R0 100 million project will contribute to enhancing healthcare services in terms of technology and human resources in paediatrics, orthopaedics and obstetrics, said the Project Manager. The 300-bed capacity facility will be constructed on land approximately 48,000 sqm in Muscat. An estimated 2,000 people will be employed in the operation and management of the hospital, which is due to launch in 2020, said Dr Al Ghailani.


Importantly, health management services will be provided by Gemelli hospitals, the second biggest private health facility in Italy. Management positions will also be offered to Omanis as well, she said. Shaikh Nasser Mohammed al Hashar, Chairman of Elixir, emphasised on the necessity of having comprehensive private health facilities to respond to the demographical changes and healthcare challenges in Oman.


Elixir aims to contribute to the new approach of the Ministry of Health (MoH), which encourages the involvement of the private sector in healthcare providing a full spectrum of services and facilities, giving the maximum kind of services patients require from diagnostics, medication, technology and out-patient services.


Design consultant Sering will initially provide a concept design for the hospital. Sering International LLC has worked on several projects in Oman, most recently the Muttrah redevelopment project. Sering provides urban design solutions for different types of facilities.


Parent company Al Jazeera is an Omani enterprise involved in travel, farming and chemical businesses.


Jomar Mendoza


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