The UAE will build specialised hospitals across the country over the next two years costing nearly Dh1 billion, the Ministry of Health announced yesterday.
The largest of the hospitals will be the 200-bed Saqr Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah costing Dh500 million to be completed by 2013, Hind Al Taweel, manager of projects at the ministry said. The funds for this hospital have been further raised to Dh800 million, she said.
A specialised psychiatric hospital for patients in Dubai and the northern emirates is the 200-bed Amal Hospital costing Dh600 million, It is presently under design, she said.
As the population grows there is an increased demand for health care services and the government has also called on the private sector to contribute in building and managing hospitals and clinics across the emirates. The manager detailed some of the hospitals which opened during the past year even as the global downturn slowed construction.
The projects that have started operating include a specialised Madab obsstetrics and gynaecology hospital in Fujairah.
Last year, the Dh500 million Masafi Hospital was operational with special grant from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said Hind. The 200-bed Khalifa Hospital in Umm Al Quwain will be handed over this year, she said.
By Mahmood Saberi
Gulf News