RIYADH: A new wave of health projects in Saudi Arabia is on track after 200 local and international firms raced to submit their expressions of interest. The developments include medical rehabilitation, long-stay and home-care projects in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, which were announced by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the National Center for Privatization in March. The three projects received a combined 424 expressions of interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The first included the establishment of 200 long-stay hospital beds and nursing care centers with 100 beds. As many as 139 firms from 16 countries submitted expressions of interest for handling the project, including companies from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, the US, Canada and the UK. Firms from Portugal, Italy and Turkey also sent in applications, as did companies from India, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Australia. The second project involves 150 medical rehabilitation hospital beds and 120,000 treatment sessions for outpatients. A total of 131 companies from 17 countries expressed a desire to obtain this project. The firms awarded the first two projects will be responsible for their design, development, financing, maintenance and operation. The third project revolves around home healthcare and received applications from 154 companies across 14 countries. The firm awarded this project will be held accountable for providing medical services to an estimated 5,000 active patients. The projects align with the partnership model between the public and private sectors to improve and further elevate the quality of service provided to beneficiaries. The large turnout of local and international investment for these projects affirms the Kingdom’s attractive environment. It also cements the role played by the NCP in supporting partnerships between the public and private sectors to create fitting opportunities for local and global investment.