Apollo Medical Centre Opens
Times of Oman (Sunday, September 06, 2005)

Apollo Medical Centre (AMC), which opened today in Muscat, has announced plans to launch the private healthcare sector's first mother and child care centre as part of its multi-specialty medical facility located at Hamriya roundabout near Ruwi.

Addressing a press conference top AMC executives said the decision to establish a specialised Mother and Child Care Unit was based on a market study that found a paucity of integrated healthcare services in the city catering to mothers and children, said a media report.

'The Mother and Child Care Centre at AMC is conceived as an integrated healthcare solution to the comprehensive medical needs of neonates and children, covering dietetics and nutrition, as well as childcare counselling,' said V T Saileswaran, managing director of AMC.

Attending the the press briefing were directors Said Sultan al Busaidi and V G Bose, Shakil Khan, chief executive officer, and Dr Sayeed Khalfay, general practitioner.

Supported by a team of experienced doctors and professional staff, the Mother and Child Care Centre will be integrated with the other medical specialties of AMC. Facilities are state-of-the-art and includes a 4D ultra-sonography machine, which is the first of its kind to be installed in the private healthcare sector.

The sophisticated machine will be used to monitor the foetus's growth right from the first month of pregnancy, and can capture video clips of movements throughout the term of pregnancy. Any serious or fatal development of the foetus, or principal congenital malformation, can be detected in time and treated where possible, say AMC executives. In addition, an exclusive seating area, along with consulting rooms and children's play area, have been created as part of the Mother and Child Care Centre.

Apollo Medical Centre, the city's newest private healthcare facility, will initially have consultancy services involving a wide range of medical specializations. Within two months, however, a full spectrum of medical and surgical services will come on stream as the staffing and operational requirements of the different specialties and departments of AMC are completed.

AMC plans to introduce a variety of specialisations such as Cardiology, ENT, General Medicine, General Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Orthopaedics. A modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is envisaged, fully equipped to render speedy treatment to victims of burns, poisoning, road accidents and other emergencies. The casualty department, equipped with an ambulance service, will operate round the clock, seven days a week, said the report.

Besides being geared to handle medical emergencies and trauma cases, AMC will also be equipped for post-operative intensive care, plastic and cosmetic surgery, and andrology. In addition to appointing qualified and experienced doctors and paramedical staff, AMC is investing in state-of-the-art equipment for its various specialisations.

The Cardiology Department, for example, will be equipped with 2-D Echo, TMT and sophisticated ICU for the management of heart attacks and chronic heart disease, and prevention of cardiac disease as well, the report added.

A 4D sonography machine with colour doppler, possibly the most modern in the private healthcare sector in Oman, has been installed in the Radiology Department, along with the latest digital X-ray system with automatic film processor.

The Lab Department's state-of-the-art equipment will ensure speedy and accurate biochemistry, serological, haematology, clinical pathology, parasitology and microbiology tests. According to AMC executives, Apollo Medical will target a niche market existing between polyclinics and upscale private medical centres. Consultancy fees and tariffs will however be very competitive. Keen to tap the promising corporate sector, AMC will also offer a package of medical schemes designed to appeal to both corporate and individual customers.

Times of Oman
(Sunday, September 04, 2005) Apollo Medical Centre opening tomorrow

MUSCAT — Apollo Medical Centre (AMC), which will have its soft opening tomorrow at 10am, will be introducing the first Mother and Childcare Centre, its director, Sayyid Sultan Yaroub Al Busaidy, has said.

The AMC will be extending medical services from tomorrow onwards.

“The dearth of specialised mother and childcare has made us think and research the setting up of indvidualised mother and childcare centre in Oman,” he said.

“The AMC is a multi-speciality health destination with state-of-the-art technology, providing sophisticated and specialised medical services in various specialities. “The warm ambience of the hospital, its team of cheerful and dedicated doctors and well-trained support staff will ensure that the best healthcare is provided to all our patients,” he said.

“We are also delighted to introduce the first-ever medical care centre especially designed for the medical needs of a mother and child. With years of thinking and research process, we have come with an individualised solution – the mother and childcare centre,” he reiterated.

He also highlighted their new concept, identified as ‘Solution’ which will help manage comprehensive problems of neonates and children covering dietetics and nutrition with child guidance is being promoted.

The birth of a new child is both miraculous and natural.

“This momentous event profoundly changes the lives of not only family members, but the lives of all future generations,” V. T. Saileswaran, the managing director of AMC said. “We, at AMC are prepared to render all help and join hands to welcome the new member of the family with the help of extremely skilled medical personnel and caring staff,” he said. “Well trained and committed staff at AMC will provide all support,” V. G. Bose, director, added.

To a query on why they were keen to promote such a centre, Sayyid Yaroub Al Busaidy said: “In Oman, there are many clinics and diagnostic centres of multi specialities. But, there is hardly any exclusive mother and child healthcare centre.”

At the AMC, a team of professionals will be integrated into overall healthcare for the mother and child, he said.

The AMC is located in the heart of Muscat near Al Hamriya roundabout, next to the gold market.

The casualty department will work round the clock, seven days a week, with ambulance facility. A well-experienced team of medical professionals, will cater to all types of emergencies, Bose noted. “Our entire team of highly qualified doctors have a highly proven track record.

“They are supported by experienced nursing and paramedical staff. In addition to the above services, for the convenience of patients, we also have a pharmacy in our premises, which will be open 24 hours,” Bose added.

“We have devised affordable medical plans to suit both individuals and the corporate sector. At AMC, healthcare is not merely a service, but a care to bring about good health for all,” he said.