Apollo Medical Centre, Oman to start operation theatres, Intensive Care Units, labour room and in-patient rooms. The nearly RO1 million AMC is part of Apollo Hospitals Group, India, Asia’s largest healthcare group. The 40-bed multi-speciality medical centre plans to be a 100-bed super-speciality hospital by year-end. AMC has setup state-of-the-art operation theatre, 3-bed intensive care units for adults, neo-nates and paediatrics, labour room for deliveries and other inpatient services. Dr Sanchita Bhattacharya, a senior consultant paediatrician heads the paediatric unit (paediatric ICU and delivery suite). The neo-natology ICU is equipped with radiant warmers, phototherapy units, monitors to treat critical patients. The newly developed 40-bed (20 rooms) in-patient facility is complete with TV, fridge, attached toilet and has a provision for patient’s family member. 2 VIP suite rooms will be added later. Other specialities include dentistry, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, cardiology, internal medicine, radiology and laboratory services. Round-the-clock emergency services, pharmacy and ambulance service is also available. Cancer patients, paediatric cardiac cases, neurosurgery cases and cardiac surgery cases are sent to Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad or Chennai for follow up. Near Hamriya Roundabout, email apolomct@omantel.net.om, visit www.apollomuscat.com
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Badr Al Samaa to open a 100-bed super speciality hospital in Sohar by 2007. the specialities will include cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, urology, gastroenterology & neurology. The hospital will have five operation theatres for various departments. The existing polyclinic in Ruwi will also be converted into a 100 beds hospital at a latter date. Badr Al Samaa will also open branches in Salalah and Nizwa. At present, Badr Al Samaa has 10 medical centres all over the AGCC, six in Saudi Arabia, one in Bahrain and three in Oman. Near Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Ruwi, Tel: 24799760, 24799761, 24799762, 24799764, Fax: 24799765 & Near Radisson SAS Hotel, Al Khuwair,

email: mail@mctbadralsamaa.com, visit www.badralsamaa.com
 

Ibri — on the trail of ancient caravan hub:
The Wilayat of Ibri, capital of Dhahirah region, is strategically located as it borders 10 wilayats besides two Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Throughout history, Ibri has remained a major land crossing for caravans
proceeding to various locations in the Arabian peninsula. This led to flourishing commercial and economic activities in the wilayat. There are 244 villages comprising modern, rural and Bedouin settlements with the total
population touching 93,000, according to the ‘93 census. A camel caravan in motion with Al Khalas date palm in the foreground makes up the wilayat’s logo, incorporating the traditional heritage and modern outlook of the wilayat. The famous Al Khalas dates grown in the wilayat is reckoned the best variety.

HISTORY has taken a full circle in Dhahirah region, the ancient caravan hub where wealthy traders criss-crossed astride camels laden with prized possessions. The region which hosted ancient civilisations that flourished
between 3500 and 2500 BC, especially the Hafit and Umm al Nar civilisations that spread across the Arabian peninsula, is in the grip of modern developments poised to spur the momentum of cross-border trade between the neighbouring Gulf states. Notably, two major highway projects are nearing completion in the region, facilitating easy access to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).