Interview: Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al Jalajel, Minister of Health
How do clustering and public-private partnerships (PPPs) align with health care reform objectives?
FAHID BIN ABDURRAHMAN AL JALAJEL: Aligned with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s Health Care Transformation Programme is set to revolutionise the accessibility and quality of care for both citizens and visitors. The initiative focuses on digitisation, reforms in funding and the strategic clustering of health care facilities. By organising hospitals and primary care centres into 20 regional clusters, the programme promotes consistent, high-quality care across all levels of health care nationwide.
A designated regulatory body supports this new structure to help guarantee safety and quality. A citizen insurance model enables access to high-quality services while ensuring efficiency and sustainability. All 20 clusters were established by November 2024, each with its own board and leadership. The initial clusters are in the process of transitioning from the Ministry of Health to the Health Holding Company (HHC), aiming to enhance care consistency, streamline referrals and build trust under a unified brand. Future goals include the transition of additional clusters to the HHC and the launch of a comprehensive citizens’ insurance model.
PPPs are pivotal in this transformation, fostering collaboration in asset management, special case referrals and speciality care services. Corporatisation is driving health care objectives while delivering socio-economic benefits such as GDP growth, employment and localisation. Consequently, Saudi Arabia is attracting significant foreign direct investment, with deals exceeding SR50bn ($13.3bn) signed at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh during October 2024.
To what extent is technology helping to advance the provision of medical care in the Kingdom?
AL JALAJEL: Saudi Arabia aims to tackle global health challenges and reshape health care for the future by fostering an environment that supports innovation and leverages digital solutions. Telemedicine and several key initiatives have extended services to remote areas, with approximately 80% of the population already having electronic health records. One such programme, the SEHA Virtual Hospital, was established in 2022. It is revolutionising health care delivery by providing virtual care to over 200 hospitals, making it the world’s largest virtual hospital. It offers a range of services, including urgent care, consultations, home care and specialised treatments. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and smart devices, SEHA facilitates both faster diagnoses and treatment in remote areas, reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes.
Also launched in 2022, the National Platform for Health and Insurance Exchange Services integrates patient information and enables unified medical records, enhancing efficiency in insurance transactions. The National Health Information Centre, meanwhile, ensures data is organised and secure. These initiatives – coupled with the use of AI in areas like emergency response – position Saudi Arabia as a leader in virtual health care, supporting its vision for an integrated, accessible and innovative health care system.
Where do you identify standout growth opportunities for private investment in the sector?
AL JALAJEL: Saudi Arabia’s health care sector offers ample opportunities for private investment, particularly in areas of high demand, such as primary care, digital health and specialised services. Expanding telemedicine, boosting local pharmaceuticals production and improving long-term care facilities are key investment areas. The government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, developing digital solutions, and expanding access to health care services in both urban and rural settings creates a strong environment for private sector growth. Supportive government policies and regulatory frameworks further drive demand for advanced health care services, making the sector attractive for investors seeking growth in a stable, expanding market.
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