INVESTMENT in medical facilities in the GCC is expected to rise by 25 per cent over 2013, with countries in the region likely to spend about $9.53 billion on new hospital projects and upgrade of medical facilities by the year end, said a report.

Saudi Arabia is among the GCC countries forecast to triple healthcare expenditure across the region, reported the UAE’s state news agency Wam. The country is spending more than $23 billion in improving its hospitals and medical facilities. One of the most high-profile projects is the $1.7-billion King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah that will have 1,500 beds in total, 500 of which are allotted for specialist referrals, said the report, citing a Frost & Sullivan study.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will be constructing 18 new private and four public hospitals over the next few years in line with Dubai plans to attract 500,000 patients for treatment by 2020,

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has awarded a $938-million contract for the construction of three buildings making up a new hospital, including emergency and accident facility. The country is also investing in new facilities, including the $1.26-billion New Jahra hospital project, currently under tender for construction, said the report.