Foundation stone laid for Ajman hospital, research centre

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, yesterday laid the foundation stone for the 250-bed Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. The hospital, part of the Gulf Medical College Ajman, will be built in two phases, the first of which will open to the public next July.

College Founder President Thumbay Moideen said the intention was to build a facility where students could train and which provides medical care at minimal cost.

The hospital plans to introduce a "doctors on call" programme for residents of Ajman and Sharjah, a service that will be extended gradually to other emirates. "This will be the first big hospital to introduce the service which will help people at home in the event of a medical emergency," Moideen said.

The Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre will have private rooms and deluxe facilities in addition to all the usual hospital services. The hospital will also have a centre for advanced research that will be open to medical experts in the region.

A large laboratory will meet the hospital's requirements and provide services for other hospitals and clinics. It will operate 24 hours. The Gulf Medical College in Ajman was set up by a decree issued by Sheikh Humaid in 1998. Its academic programme offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy course for students of all nationalities.