ABU DHABI — Al Qudra Holding yesterday launched at the Emirates Palace a partnership project with National Holding, Injazat Capital, Saudi Health Investment Company, University of Pittsburg Medical Center in the US, Flight Care and Faust Consult companies from Germany to turn Abu Dhabi into a medical hub with investments aiming to reach Dh20 billion within the first five years of operations.

The Al Qudra Healthcare and Wellness Holding (AQHWH) will specialise in advancing the healthcare programme in the region by utilising the finest global healthcare services and equipment, developing scientific research and introducing new medical areas like organs transplant and air ambulance in a world class fashion.

The AQHWH will provide the optimal environment to facilitate the development of a first class healthcare hub by attracting global players to Abu Dhabi and the region.

Services will include financial management and supply chain management related to the health sector as well as establishing the largest network of hospitals in the MENA region and factories for medical supplies.

Engineer Salah Salem bin Omeir Al Shamsi, Chairman and Managing Director, Al Qudra Holding, said, “We are working hand in hand with government entities including the Ministry of Health and other global leaders in the health industry to advance and upgrade the health services in the country and the Middle East.”

“We hope with this investment we are supporting the plans to place Abu Dhabi as a major healthcare hub,” he added.

According to the annual statistical report 2006 of the Ministry of Health, initially Al Qudra Healthcare and Wellness Holding will set up seven imaging centres worth Dh70 million , seven medical labs worth Dh7 million and hospitals at a cost of Dh250 million.

“Our strategy is to create job opportunities for UAE nationals in the health sector while attracting global players to Abu Dhabi,” said Dr Nariman Al Mulla, Business Development Manager at Al Qudra Holding and COO for Al Qudra Healthcare and Wellness.

She added that initially, the focus will be on treatment of heart diseases and cancer research.

Hussein Al Rafaei, Managing Director, Injazat Capital, stressed that his company’s partnership with Al Qudra Holding, National Holding and Saudi Health Investment demonstrates its keen interest in advancing the healthcare sector in the region.