A Major Project to Transform Kairouan into an International Medical Hub
A massive project is underway to transform the city of Kairouan into a world-class medical hub. The Kairouan Medical City, estimated to cost $1.2 billion, aims to become a regional and global reference in healthcare, according to Minister of Equipment and Housing, Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri.
The minister highlighted in a statement to the Tunisian Press Agency (TAP) that this project spans over 550 hectares and will be a smart city dedicated to health. Nine distinct spaces will be developed, covering all medical specialties:
Industrial Pole of Excellence:
- Production of medical equipment
- Intravenous solutions
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Sterilization by radiology
- Intravenous nutrition
- Biopharmaceuticals
Ultra-Modern Hospital Center:
- A 400-bed university hospital, expandable to 600 beds
- Two hotels for patients
- An emergency unit with heliport evacuation
- A cancer treatment center
- A radiotherapy center
- A center for autistic care
- A multidisciplinary public clinic
- Private clinics
Renowned University Campus:
- A medical academy
- A medical simulation center
- A national school of biomedical engineering
- A health research center
- An institute of health sciences
- University residences and restaurants
- Private institutes and faculties
Residential and Modern Amenities:
- Housing for medical staff and patients
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Shops
- Schools
- Green spaces
Medical Tourism Hub:
- High-end infrastructure for foreign patients
- Thalassotherapy and wellness centers
Leisure and Relaxation Spaces:
- Parks
- Gardens
- Sports fields
- Sports and cultural complexes
Renewable Energy Production Center:
- For clean and sustainable energy supply
High-Performance Waste Management System:
- For ecological and responsible management of medical waste
The Kairouan Medical City project goes beyond its medical vocation, aiming to become an economic and social development driver for the region. This project is expected to create over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship, and foster the emergence of new industries.
It is worth noting that the realization of this project relies on a solid partnership between Tunisia and China. The recent visit of a Chinese delegation to Kairouan testifies to the growing interest of Chinese investors in this large-scale project.