A former NATO hospital in Keflavik, Iceland is scheduled to be converted to a health care center specializing in medical tourism by the Icelandic company, Kedco, in collaboration with Iceland Healthcare. Housing facilities on the former military base will be used to accommodate patients and their families.

The location for the hospital was chosen largely on the basis of the know-how and experience in the area when it comes to services for foreign visitors, according to the developers, commenting in a press release.

Kadeco estimates that the medical travel facility could generate direct revenue from the operations of up to $2 million per year, plus tourist-related operations and other linked services.

The developers project that up to 300 jobs will be created with the reconstruction and operations of the hospital and related services in the area.

Initially, the company stated that it will focus on marketing in Norway and Sweden, and soon afterward in the United Kingdom. Future plans include service offerings in the United States.

"It is important for us to receive an injection into the economy at this difficult time and also a pleasure to note that the timing of the venture is firmly on track. Hundreds of new jobs will be created, there are vast tourism-related possibilities, and new and related educational opportunities will arise at Keilir, the Atlantic Centre for Excellence, which is situated near the hospital," stated Arni Sigfusson, Mayor of Reykjanesbaer.

Further information about the medical tourism health care centre in Iceland can be found at www.asbru.is/english.