HEALTHCARE

Diversification at core of Saudi fund’s multi-sector investments

The Health Sector Transformation Program’s annual report underscores the significant advancements in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape as they align with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. 

The report highlights strategic achievements aimed at improving public health outcomes and healthcare access in the country, notably in remote areas. Key metrics include an increase in patient satisfaction, a rise in the number of qualified healthcare professionals, and expansion of primary care services.

A notable development is the increase in average life expectancy to 77.6 years, which can be attributed to comprehensive public health policies and initiatives, such as promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing harmful dietary components. The kingdom's commitment to the "health in all policies" approach, which integrates health considerations across all sectors, has been pivotal in achieving these targets.

In 2023, vital steps were taken to bolster the country’s healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of the Saudi National Institute of Health and the launch of the Nphies portal, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom’s institutional healthcare transformation. The report emphasises Saudi’s dedication to creating a robust and sustainable healthcare system, positioning it as a central pillar of the Vision 2030 strategy to enhance the overall well-being of its population. 

The report also reflects on the kingdom’s forward-looking approach, acknowledging the challenges ahead while laying the groundwork for future progress.These efforts are part of saudi Arabia's broader ambition to be recognised globally for its healthcare excellence, both in terms of service delivery and public health outcomes.

“Throughout 2023, the Health Sector Transformation Program and its partners continued their journey towards transforming healthcare for the benefit of the nation, achieving numerous milestones,” said Fahad Bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, chairman of the Health Sector Transformation Program Committee, member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and minister of health.

“These milestones included facilitating access to healthcare services, enhancing the sector's quality and efficiency, promoting disease prevention, and improving road safety.”

2023 ACHIEVEMENTS

Other key accomplishments include the development of Health Holding Company, which features 20 health clusters around an integrated network of geographically distributed healthcare providers, such as primary care centres, general hospitals, specialised hospitals, and medical cities.

By creating the Health Holding Company and mandating the National Health Insurance Center's charter, authorities sought to enhance the kingdom's healthcare system. This move shifts the Ministry of Health's role to regulation and oversight, while the Health Holding Company and its subsidiaries will deliver integrated healthcare services.

The National Health Insurance Center will then fund these services, reallocating healthcare budgets from the Ministry of Health. Future health clusters, operating as independent companies, will focus on efficieny, preventive care, and specialised services, including digital health and virtual medical care.

The Public Health Authority also opened a Rapid Response Laboratory and launched the Infectious and Communicable Diseases Unit. Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the National Institute for Health Research. 

Road safety was also transformed, which reduced the pressures on trauma centres and emergency services. Traffic accident fatalities rate in 2023 reached 13.06 per 100,000 population, from 28.41 in 2016 – a dramatic drop. The rate of serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents also fell to 70.87 per 100,000 people last year, compared to 74 per 100,000 people in 2016.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Ministry of Health urged healthcare companies to offer virtual communication treatments via telehealth programmes in a bid to comply with social distancing measures. 

Around 10 Saudi teleradiology businesses compete with contractor radiologists for customers. Most of these firms were licensed in 2018, according to Omnia Health, which tracks progress on global healthcare issues.

That had an instrumental impact on telehealth services nationwide, with 30 million beneficiaries of Sehhaty application, a 15% increase over 2022. The services offered 1.6 million virtual consultations, and 9,2 million virtual appointments. Overall, 36% of total health appointments

HEALTHY GROWTH

Saudi Arabia plans to invest over USD 65 billion in its healthcare system as part of Vision 2030, aiming to privatise 290 hospitals and 2,300 primary healthcare facilities. This initiative seeks to increase private sector involvement from 40% to 65%. The Ministry of Health is also establishing "health clusters" to improve access to preventive and integrated care for millions of people. Furthermore, the kingdom is injecting USD 1.5 billion in digital health, including IT and telemedicine expansion. 

The latest budget reflects this commitment, allocating over SAR 189 billion to healthcare and social development.These reforms address the urgent need for healthcare modernisation, driven by the country’s rapidly growing population and the ensuing demand for healthcare services.