His Highness the Prime Minister lays foundation stone for new RCSI Bahrain Health Oasis

Developed to provide world class healthcare and medical education facilities for the Kingdom and the GCC region, the Health Oasis project is located in Busaiteen, adjacent to the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain 'RCSI Bahrain' and the King Hamad General Hospital, which is currently under construction.

The Health Oasis also enjoys an impressive waterfront outlook to Bahrain Bay, the World Trade Centre and the Financial Harbour as well as immediacy of access to both Bahrain's International Airport and the city center.

Minister Calleary commented, "I am delighted to be here today for the laying of the foundation stone ceremony. I sincerely believe that this truly unique, international healthcare centre will take Bahrain's and the region's medical education and healthcare sector to a new level."

"For many people here, today marks the start of an exciting journey of planning and creation, but for us all, it marks a very important milestone in the thirty year relationship between Ireland's distinguished Royal College of Surgeons and the Government of Bahrain. Thanks to the encouragement and support of the Prime Minister, His Highness Shk. Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, a new chapter has begun in the history of the RCSI and in the history of healthcare in the Kingdom of Bahrain," he added.

"This ground breaking initiative forges even closer ties between our two great nations and paves the way for a transfer of knowledge and resources. In addition to elevating the provision of medical services, this world-class enterprise will also create excellent career opportunities for Bahraini's and students working in the healthcare profession," Calleary said.

RCSI Chief Executive, Michael Horgan commented, "Today we start the construction of the RCSI Bahrain Health Oasis. When completed, this exceptional medical education and healthcare campus will integrate world-class healthcare, state-of-the-art medical education and research and health sector enterprises in an unprecedented environment designed to foster novel approaches to healthcare and healthcare delivery. It will be unlike any other existing or proposed health and wellness centre in the region. Our vision has become a reality due to the full and active support of the Bahraini Government and the commitment of Kuwait Finance House, who have partnered with us for the project."

The RCSI Bahrain Health Oasis concept extends over a combined site of circa 60 hectares of multiple inter-related components and will feature three keystone projects, RCSI Bahrain, The King Hamad General Hospital (KHGH) and the Oasis Private Hospital (OPH).

In support of these core medical education and healthcare components, the RCSI Bahrain Health Oasis will also house Clinical Specialist Treatment Centres, a Medical Innovation and Incubation Centre, extensive provisions of offices for medical and healthcare enterprises, a five star resort and four star hotels to include spas as well as a wellness centre, a public promenade awash with an extensive array of shops and waterfront cafes, serviced apartments with managed care, sports facilities, Oasis staff and student accommodation and a high quality public realm and park featuring a landmark attraction.

Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) said, "We believe that there is an urgent need in Bahrain to revitalize and expand opportunities across the healthcare infrastructure. From first-class healthcare centres like the RCSI Bahrain Health Oasis to hospitals and medical education facilities. We are very please to be working with RCSI Bahrain for this magnificent project and look forward to working together on other ventures in the future."