U.S.-based Quantus Corporation on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) to develop a state-of-the-art hospital here using advanced medical technologies.

Alex C. Park, vice chairman and general counsel of Quantus, said the project at the park in District 9, HCMC is estimated to cost US$500 million and will be carried out in two phases.

Half of the investment would be spent on construction of the hi-tech hospital and a life science institute, expected to be complete in July 2018. Then in the second phase, scheduled to be finished a year later, the company would provide the facilities with modern medical equipment.

Park said the hospital will have many departments and feature advanced technologies and devices such as proton therapy and gamma-ray treatment for cancer, new neurosurgical approaches, helicopter services, an advanced stem cell cardiology unit, and a cutting-edge orthopedic surgical unit.

According to Quantus, Vietnamese spend US$1.5-2 billion a year on healthcare services in foreign countries.

The hi-tech hospital aims to provide medical services on par with those in Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo. It is also expected to attract patients from other countries and bring between US$500 million and US$1 billion into Vietnam.

Quantus will work with Allied Telesis KK for application of information technology in healthcare services, Stanford Hospital for doctor training and exchange programs, and the University of California for research fellowship programs through the life science institute.

The project will follow the model of the recognized Osaka University Hospital, said Park.

According the SHTP authority, the project will cover seven hectares, including the 25-floor hospital and the 12-floor science institute, aside from a shopping center.

HCMC chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said the city has been calling for investment in the healthcare sector as hospitals in the city are overloaded. Investors will be offered incentives, he said.

Phong highly evaluated the company’s plan and pledged support to help it carry out the project.

SGT