UK firm wins contract to build three hospitals in Oman

A British company has won a contract to build three hospitals in Oman, backed by over £500 million ($658 million) worth of support from UK Export Finance (UKEF).

UK-based International Hospitals Group (IHG) will lead the construction of the hospitals in Salalah, Suwaiq and Khasab which will provide intensive care, emergency services and specialist baby care.

International Hospitals Group partners with the University of Cambridge, the United Nations and the World Bank to provide healthcare projects all over the world.

UKEF said in a statement on its website that it has provided support to help win these major contracts in Oman, and provided a loan, repayable on a commercial basis.

It added that the new projects will support jobs in the UK throughout the duration of the build, by drawing heavily on the expertise of the UK supply chain, including the supply of specialist knowledge and medical equipment.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, said: "The size of this contract demonstrates the appetite for the UK’s world leading healthcare expertise across the globe.

"I am delighted UK Export Finance is supporting the construction of these three hospitals which will not only improve healthcare provision in Oman but will also expand IHG’s overseas business."

Under the contract, IHG will provide a full design, construction and services package for all three hospitals. Work will also include the construction of emergency power systems, maintenance facilities, roads and other associated infrastructure.

UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency and a government department, working alongside the Department for International Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.

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