Work on a new BD4.6 million ($12.2 million) health centre will start next month in what would be the largest facility in Muharraq, Bahrain, said a top government official.

The 13.6 sq m Abu Mahr Health Centre is the sixth government medical centre in the area and is being built on directives from HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

It will be located in Halat Abu Mahr and will be up and running in April 2014, said the Works Ministry spokesman.

It is understood residents of the area have been demanding such a facility since 2002.

The health centre, near the Muharraq police headquarters, will include dental clinics and specialised facilities for women on the first floor.

The second floor will consist of clinics for child care and rehabilitation as well psychiatry, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services.

"There will also be meeting rooms, educational, medical and administrative offices, stores and services and special chambers for sample collection," said the spokesman. "There will be a laboratory and medical diagnosis facilities as well."

He said the centre is being designed to allow patients easy access to all its clinics and services.

"The building will be equipped with all electrical and mechanical services and state-of-the-art facilities," he added.

The five existing health centres in Muharraq are Shaikh Salman Health Centre, Muharraq Health Centre and NBB Health Centres in Dair, Arad, and another in Hidd. – TradeArabia News Service