The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind one of the world's most ambitious tourism projects, has awarded a contract for the provision of medical services during the initial construction phase of the project. The contract was awarded following a competitive tendering process to medical services provider International SOS to provide all medical services across the development. The agreement ensures that the highest quality medical care and assistance is provided to the site's estimated 28,000 construction workers as well as the project's staff and visitors over the next two and a half years. "As we strive to create a truly special tourist destination for visitors to enjoy, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our employees and partners is of paramount importance," said John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company. "We are going beyond international guidelines and setting new standards for labor management in the region, by making sure that the environment our people work in, is safe and comfortable." Through this partnership, a 700 sqm central medical facility is being created within the specially designed construction village to provide a range of services including primary healthcare, occupational health services and emergency response. The central ‘hub' medical facility, as well as satellite clinics at construction worksites across the development, are being created, managed, and operated by International SOS, ensuring that all facilities comply with Saudi Building Code. Medical services are being delivered through mobile containerized facilities, which can easily be relocated across the development as construction progresses. This approach not only allows TRSDC's workforce to access facilities as required, but also leaves little to no impact on the environment. By using containerized facilities, TRSDC is lowering the impact of additional development at the destination. Brian Spraker, executive director of HSE said, "As well as the safety of our workforce, sustainability is also a key priority for The Red Sea Development Company. We are striving to ensure that our impact on the natural environment is as minimal as possible and adopting these kinds of innovative construction solutions helps us achieve that goal." International SOS will oversee the staffing and governance of all clinics, streamlining operations and ensuring that remote areas have direct access to a high standard of care consistently achieved throughout the development. Jörg C. Bünzel, general manager of International SOS, noted how TRSDC's approach to medical care is innovative for the industry and region: "Typically, contractors are each responsible for the medical care of their own workforce, which can lead to a fragmented system with inefficiencies encountered across a largescale development. "TRSDC is removing the responsibility for medical care from the contractors and centralizing it with a single medical provider." "This ensures that all construction workers have uniform access to senior medical personnel and high standards of care. We share the unconditional desire and aspiration to build the right support for the workforce while adhering to the strict sustainability policies in place at the destination." The partnership with International SOS is another positive step towards ensuring that our Construction Village provides the highest living standards. A range of facilities will enhance the quality of life for the workers, including gyms, football and cricket pitches. The village neighborhoods shall comprise of 9-12 blocks with multi-purpose arrangements containing internal courtyards, communal green areas, administration offices, laundry facilities and catering services. The construction village housing will also incorporate a mosque with prayer halls and rooms and a Soft Landscape area to be a minimum of 15% of the overall site plot area. The Red Sea Project is on track to welcome its first visitors by the end of 2022. The first phase of the development will include 14 luxury hotels offering 3,000 rooms across five islands and two inland resorts. It will also include a marina, entertainment facilities, an airport, and the necessary supporting logistics and utilities infrastructure. Work is already under way at the destination with the development of key supporting infrastructure and accommodation for the workforce and company employees deployed to manage construction. Upon completion in 2030, the destination will deliver up to 8,000 hotel rooms across 22 islands and six inland sites. The annual number of visitors will be carefully managed to avoid over-tourism and ensure that every guest enjoys a uniquely memorable experience. — SG
