Major milestones leading to the commencement of work on the $1 billion International Medical City (IMC) project in Salalah have been achieved, said a report.

Saudi-based Apex Medical Group, which is overseeing the implementation of the venture, said it has received permits and licenses, besides studies necessary to advance the project to the groundbreaking stage, said the Oman Observer report.

The phase 1 of the development, which will be constructed on an 866,000 sq m site leased from the Ministry of Tourism, is expected to kick-off in the coming months, said the group.

It will 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 will be a 530-bed multi-tertiary hospital catering to 21 different specialties.

A representative of AMG pointed out that the engineering design of the project infrastructure has been completed, 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," Dr Naeema Aziz, chief operating officer, was quoted as saying.

The main multi-tertiary hospital is slated for pre-commissioning in 2016 ahead of its planned launch in the second half of 2017, she added. - TradeArabia News Service