Interview: Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey
How can the private sector further contribute to Saudi Arabia’s health care and related industries?
HISHAM BIN SAAD ALJADHEY: The Ministry of Health is prioritising the privatisation of the national health care sector to increase the range of services provided, with related insurance services also growing thanks to the efforts of the private sector. With more investment expected to lead to more technologies and services offered, we expect Saudi Arabia to become a destination for health care tourism in the near future.
Parallel to this – and especially for tourism purposes and related investment – the Kingdom needs to ensure local food security. The private sector is also tapping into this sector, as demand for special, fresh and foreign products at specific times has been growing sharply. As such, the SFDA is working to facilitate the import and export of products, mainly by implementing tailored regulations to reduce as much as possible the time that products are retained at Customs. Additionally, the SFDA is publishing regulations to ensure the maintenance of the cold chain to ensure the safety of specific products considering the climate in the Kingdom. Overall, the intervention of the private sector in the health and food sectors can be looked at positively from several different perspectives.
To what extent are regulatory adjustments needed to ensure that the local health care sector capitalises on advanced medical devices and technologies?
ALJADHEY: Interest in medical products increased after the Covid-19 pandemic, and Saudi Arabia has taken steps to support advancements in this field. The government and multiple committees have been established to help develop medical devices, medicines and vaccines. Simultaneously, it is crucial to streamline the approval process for biotech and advanced products, including artificial intelligence for medical devices. The regulatory framework is set to provide clarity and guidance to investors, and be aligned with SFDA regulations.
Collaborations with entities like the Ministry of Investment are under way, attracting companies interested in bringing innovative medicines to the country. The regulatory environment – characterised by flexibility in registration, pricing and market regulations – encourages companies to enter the Saudi market first before other countries. Close cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency facilitates parallel registration processes.
Saudi Arabia is also focusing on developing biotech in medicine, particularly in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases. Efforts are being made to establish regulations and facilitate the introduction of innovative biotech products, including cell-based meat. Initiatives are being taken to ensure that the Kingdom stays ahead in terms of regulation, with a dedicated committee chaired by the SFDA. Advancements in biotech not only benefit public health and the environment, but also present investment opportunities.
In what ways can greater harmonisation between regional regulations accelerate developments in the Kingdom’s health care market?
ALJADHEY: Saudi Arabia recognises the importance of regional and international harmonisation in regulatory frameworks. The Kingdom participates in global harmonisation initiatives such as the Global Harmonisation Working Party for medical devices and the Codex Alimentarius for food, and it encourages regional collaboration with Arab, African and Asian countries. In particular, Saudi Arabia provides consultation and training to countries that lack regulatory structures or knowledge, aiming to elevate their capabilities. The ultimate goal is to harmonise regulations and standards.
This international collaboration is a significant component of the Saudi national strategy of promoting cooperation to advance the field of food and drug regulation. The initial focus is on Africa and Asia, with plans to expand to other regions of the world later.
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