Ground Broken on Nasiriyah Medical City Project in Dhi Qar Province

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has launched the execution phase of the Nasiriyah Medical City Project in Dhi Qar Province -- a healthcare complex comprising 13 facilities, including seven hospitals with a combined capacity of 700 beds.

Designed to reduce Iraq's reliance on overseas medical treatment, the 132-dunam [13.2-hectare; 33-acre] project will include specialized hospitals, a blood bank, a research centre, and full utility infrastructure.

It is being built by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the Dhi Qar Reconstruction Fund.

Contracts were signed last month, with the total project cost is estimated at 490 billion Iraqi dinars (~US$374-million).