12 January 2011
South African private hospital group Medi-Clinic has entered into a collaboration with Emaar Properties to take over the running of the Dubai-based property developer’s healthcare portfolio, which includes three clinics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As part of the agreement, which takes effect on 15 January, Medi-Clinic’s Middle East division, Emirates Healthcare Limited (EHL), will acquire the assets of and operate the Dubai Mall Medical Centre, the Arabian Ranches Clinic and the Meadows Clinic.
In a statement this week, Medi-Clinic Corporation chairman Edwin Hertzog said the agreement demonstrated the valuable opportunities present in the region
“Medi-Clinic has experienced positive growth in its Middle East operations and EHL has established itself as a brand that is associated with high quality healthcare,” Hertzog said. “The association with a property development market leader such as Emaar Properties confirms our standing as a prominent player.”
Exploring partnership opportunities
According to Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar, the venture forms part of the company’s long-term strategy of concentrating on its core competencies of creating premium real estate developments in key emerging markets around the world.
He said the company would continue its emphasis on business and geographic expansion, while exploring partnership opportunities with proven specialists to bring greater value efficiencies to operations.
“Emirates Healthcare Limited has demonstrated its competencies in delivering world-class healthcare, and we are confident that our agreement will further establish healthcare assets in our communities as among the most efficient healthcare providers in the region,” he said.
Strengthening healthcare standards
EHL chief executive David Hadley sad that the company had access to a wealth of combined expertise and the shared knowledge of internationally qualified healthcare experts, and had proven their ability to provide a higher level of medical care.
“We are proud to be associated with the Emaar brand and are confident that the quality standards of both our organisations complement each other,” Hadley said. “EHL will introduce systems to enhance operational efficiencies as well as strengthen healthcare standards further.”
EHL employs around 1 500 people, and operates seven of the UAE’s most prestigious healthcare facilities, including the Welcare Hospital, The City Hospital and five successful private clinics in Dubai – the Welcare Ambulatory Care Centre, Emirates Diagnostic Clinic, Welcare Clinic Mirdif, Welcare Clinic Al Qusais, and the newly opened Welcare Ibn Batutta Clinic.
SAinfo reporter
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