Healthcare in Saudi Arabia from a Global Perspective
The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia has the highest share of gross domestic product spent on healthcare in the region. The country accounts for 60 percent of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ healthcare expenditure. It also has the highest density of medical professionals per thousand residents in the GCC region.
Even though the amount has been reduced from the previous year, Saudi Arabia will spend $36.8 billion (14.4 percent of its annual budget) on healthcare in 2022. Additionally, the government will invest over $65 billion to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure in line with the government’s Vision 2030. The plan also includes increasing the private sector’s contribution from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030, thereby targeting to privatize 290 hospitals and establish 2,300 primary health centers.
The population of Saudi Arabia has grown over the past 20 years, which has led to an increase in healthcare costs. To meet the rising demand for healthcare, the Ministry of Health is cooperating with the private hospitals in Saudi Arabia and steadily increasing the average number of hospital beds. It is predicted that by 2025, 16 percent of the population in Saudi Arabia will be smokers. WHO estimates that by 2025, 38% of males and 2% of females aged 15-24 will be smokers. A bulk of mortality in the country is attributed to non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes. Adopting modern food habits and lack of physical exercise is the main reason behind the rising lifestyle disease in the country. To combat these issues, the Ministry of Health adopted steps to address public health concerns related to smoking and obesity.
The government of Saudi Arabia will also increase its investment in programs that aim to prevent and treat lifestyle disorders. This is a result of the foresight into the increasing need for primary health care centers as the need for preventive care screening for chronic disease management grows. Other objectives include the implementation of projects aimed at improving the quality of therapeutic healthcare services and expanding digital healthcare innovation. The ultimate goal will be to provide more access to healthcare and develop them to meet international standards.
Access to Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
When it comes to the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, all related activities and services are regulated by the Ministry of Health (MoH). That means that all public hospitals in Saudi Arabia come under the Ministry of Health. All Saudi nationals and public workers can access Saudi Arabia’s public healthcare services like GP services, hospital treatments, dental treatment, and prescription medicines for free.
Expats in Saudi Arabia have to depend on private care through hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Since 2005, the Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI), which regulates the country’s insurance system, has made it mandatory for non-nationals to obtain health insurance. The insurance should be provided through employers. Expats can take out other private policies if they want to.
The Future of Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
We have discussed the country’s investment plans in healthcare for the future. Another facet to consider is the provision of digital healthcare crucial to healthcare development in the country. But first, what is digital healthcare? What are the benefits of digital healthcare services?
Using information and communication technologies in medicine and other health-related professions to manage illnesses and health risks and promote wellness is broadly known as digital health. It includes using wearable devices, mobile health, telemedicine, health information technology, and tele consultation
There are many reasons why digital health has been gaining popularity. It improves access to and quality of healthcare while lowering costs. It also provides a personalized healthcare experience for patients. Today’s digital devices have several apps that can record and monitor blood pressure, sugar level, physical activity, sleep cycle, and many more. Integrating them with healthcare services allows patients to keep a better track of their health and wellness.
Realizing the role digital healthcare could play in increasing healthcare efficiency in the country, Saudi Arabia has begun steps to integrate digital healthcare into its system. While it started by digitizing provider and national solutions in the form of electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical workflow management systems, the country has expanded to include consumer-centric solutions like virtual care.
As the country is at a crucial point of its development, the government and the Ministry of Health are striving to provide better healthcare to its citizens and expatriates. Every hospital in Saudi Arabia will be capable of offering services that meet international standards.