With the support of the Beijing government and pending final agreement, the Beijing International Medical Service Zone is scheduled for development over the next decade in the eastern Tongzhou district. The 15-sq km zone will be a comprehensive development comprising hospitals, research and education institutions as well as a full range of supporting facilities.
     The first phase of the project will see the completion of 1 to 2 general hospitals and 8 to 10 specialised hospitals. An area has been reserved for hospitals, research institutions and club house for traditional Chinese medical science. The medical zone will also accommodate educational institutions including Peking Union Medical College, a nursing school and a business school with medical-related disciplines.
     Construction of main roads and a public service centre is scheduled to begin in 2013. It is expected that the first phase of construction will be completed in five years.