By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

Work on a QR3.6bn, 500-bed state-of-the-art hospital is set to start by mid-2017 at Al Khor in Qatar's north, which would also witness the commissioning of a major health centre and many school buildings in the next two years.

The work on many projects, mainly in and around Al Khor, are in full swing and their completion on schedule will give a remarkable fillip to the infrastructural development of the region, officials of the Public Works Authority, Ashghal, said.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the local community members and people's representatives at Al Khor Sports Club, held in association with the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Development.

Members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) from Al Khor and Al Thakira, representatives of the business establishments, schools and the area's residents were among the attendees.

The designing of the QR3.6bn hospital is underway and it will have operation theatres, an emergency medical centre and external clinics among its facilities.

Ashghal's Infrastructural Affairs Department officials displayed images of some of the designs being developed for the ambitious hospital project and said the tendering and awarding of contracts would take place after extensive deliberations in different stages next year.

It was also informed that the work of a new health centre in Al Khor is in the tendering and awarding stage. The project's work is expected to start early next year.

Another major medical facility of the region was opened earlier this year in Al Ghuwairiya. The health centre, spread over a build up area of 2,404sqm comprises medical clinics, pharmacy, laboratory and other specialised clinics.

Ashghal officials also announced at the meeting that major projects as Aquatic and Fisheries and Marine Research Centre and Waste Separation Plant are in different stages of implementation.

Similarly, The new Coastguard Security Headquarters in Ras Matbakh is expected to be functional in the third quarter of 2016. The old building is being demolished now.

The school for girls in Al Ghuwairiya, costing approximately QR230mn will be ready in the first quarter next year. Nearly 40% of the work is already completed.

Two schools in Al Kaaban area will be ready in the last quarter of next year. An amount of QR134mn has been allocated for the project and more than 30% of the work is completed.

A kindergarten in Al Thakira, which is under construction, will be ready in the third quarter of 2016.