The third Salam Specialist Hospital located in Kuala Terengganu is expected to be operational in February next year.

The construction of the hospital, costing RM85 million, has been completed and it is awaiting approvals from the authorities including the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia and Kuala Terengganu City Council before it can start operations.

The new hospital is part of the Salam Group of Hospitals which is 100 percent-owned by Hatimuda Sdn Bhd. The company opened its first hospital in Shah Alam, Selangor, in 2003 and its second facility in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.

Hatimuda managing director Datuk Zainal Bachik said Salam Specialist Hospital in Kuala Terengganu is the second specialist hospital in the city after the new hospital developed by TDM Bhd.

"The six-storey Salam Specialist Hospital is expected to be able to accommodate 200 beds when fully operational," he told reporters after a "Media Night 2013" organised by Salam Specialist Hospital here last night.

However, in the first year of operations, only 60 beds would be made available and the hospital would be managed by 30 employees.

"The opening of the new hospital is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for private medical services," he said.

Zainal said the company planned to develop two more hospitals in Bangi, Selangor and Alor Setar in Kedah next year.

"We are aiming to be one of the country's leading integrated healthcare providers with an innovative strength in diagnostic, laboratory and medical technologies.

"The group's strength lies in their team of experienced medical specialists, dedicated nurses and efficient administrators, who continuously provide the best healthcare experience for patients," he said.

The group is committed to provide first-class service and facilities that are affordable to all, targeting mainly the middle-income group, he said.

"Salam Group's innovative technological advancement in the medical and clinical arenas is made possible through a concerted and unending commitment to invest in progressive medical devices and equipment and in manpower training," he added.