A massive new project will turn Bahrain into a health oasis unique to the region, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has declared.

The oasis will draw hundreds of thousands of health tourists over the years, seeking world-class care in idyllic surroundings, said the Premier.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the multi-billion dollar Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Health Oasis, at its campus in Busaiteen.

'Bahrain has once again taken the lead in providing the best health care anywhere in the region and with this addition, it will become the destination of choice for hundreds of thousands of people who will come for their general well-being, as well as to receive medical treatment in idyllic seafront luxury and ambience,' said the Premier.

He highlighted Bahrain's partnership with the RCSI saying this had taken the services offered in the country to the next level.

'They have brought world-class health services as well as educational facilities to us and we hope we will have continued high level of co-operation with one another,' said the Premier.

He was accompanied by Irish Minister in charge of Labour Affairs Dara Calleary, who said he was sure the '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 30-year relationship between the RCSI and Bahrain,' said Calleary.

He said a new chapter has begun in the history of the RCSI and in the history of healthcare in Bahrain.

'This initiative forges even closer ties between our two great nations and paves the way for a transfer of knowledge and resources,' said  Calleary.

'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.'

The project is being developed to provide world-class health-care and medical education facilities for Bahrain and the GCC region.

It is located next to the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) and the King Hamad General Hospital, now under construction.

The oasis offers a waterfront view of Bahrain Bay, the World Trade Centre and the Bahrain Financial Harbour, as well as easy access to the airport.

RCSI chief executive Michael Horgan said the Bahrain Health Oasis concept extended over an area of 60 hectares of multiple, inter-related components and will feature three key projects, RCSI Bahrain, King Hamad General Hospital (KHGH) and the Oasis Private Hospital (OPH).

'The oasis will also house clinical specialist treatment centres and an innovation and incubation centre,' said Horgan.

He said it would also include a five-star resort and four-star hotel, spas as well as a wellness centre, a public promenade with an extensive array of shops and waterfront cafes, serviced apartments, sports facilities, oasis staff and student accommodation and a high-quality public park featuring a 'landmark attraction'.

The project will integrate world-class health-care, 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, said Horgan.

'Our vision has become a reality due to the full and active support of the Bahraini government and the commitment of Kuwait Finance House (KFH), who have partnered with us for the project.'

Urgent

KFH managing director and chief executive Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat said the company believed there was an urgent need in Bahrain<