Pacific Healthcare to design, manage US$25m Viet outfit

PACIFIC Healthcare Holdings Ltd announced yesterday that it has signed a contract to design and manage a US$25 million healthcare facility in Vietnam, a move that will elevate the medical group's regional status.

'The centre in Hanoi will further cement Pacific Healthcare's positioning as a premier regional healthcare provider and Singapore's reputation as a medical hub,' William Chong, Pacific Healthcare chief executive officer told a media conference.

The facility in Hanoi will be modelled after Pacific Healthcare's medical centres in Singapore. The project is developed by Khanh Hoa Trading and Investment Company, owner of the award-winning luxury Evason Ana Mandara resort and Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort and Spa in Nha Trang Bay.

Phase one of the Diagnostic and Lifestyle Medical Centre will offer specialist services, including implant and cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, gynaecology and anti-ageing medicine. Khanh Hoa president Le Thi Thu Ha expects the project to begin in the next three months.

Phase two will include a diagnostic centre focusing on heart disease and cancer, endoscopic facilities and a medical spa which is expected to be completed in 15 months. Phase two will also involve the construction of a 250-bed hospital. Dr Chong expects rates to be about US$380 a night.

According to Dr Chong, as standards of living and affluence rise in Asia, the consequences include rising rates of heart disease and cancer with an increasing number of people being desk bound and turning to a more western diet. As such, Pacific Healthcare aims to not only combat these diseases but to 'cater to the aspirations of the newly wealthy to look and feel good'.

Pacific Healthcare has operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Hyderabad in India. Late last year, the group signed a joint-venture agreement with Vision Corporation Holdings Pte Ltd to establish a network of premier healthcare and wellness centres in major Chinese cities. Two centres will be established in Shenzhen by mid-2007 in collaboration with the Marsa group, the largest operator of lifestyle and wellness facilities in Shenzhen.

Source: Business Times, 18 January 2007