Egypt’s Higher Education Ministry, represented by Alexandria University, will issue a request for proposals for the construction of two hospitals on the basis of a public-private partnership (PPP) on 19 October.

The private sector will design, build, finance and maintain two university hospitals as well as provide non-clinical services.

The ministry will issue one tender divided into two lots. Bidders will be allowed to submit offers for one or both projects. The first project involves the construction of a new 200-bed Smouha Maternity University hospital and a blood bank.

The second scheme is for the construction of the 223-bed New Mowassat University hospital with centres of excellence for the provision of highly specialised services in the neurology and urology/nephrology fields.

The PPP Central Unit at the Finance Ministry is providing technical assistance to the client. The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, is the financial and lead adviser. The UK’s Mott MacDonald is the technical adviser and Trowers & Hamlins, also of the UK, is the legal adviser.