Health & Life Sciences
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013
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Saudi Arabia has a growing population that, combined with increased life expectancy and a rising rate of so-called lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, means demand for health care services is set to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Yet while the state remains the largest player in the health care industry, providing free treatment to nationals and stepping up spending, the authorities are working to encourage the expansion of the already substantial private health sector. There are indications that progress is being made; growth in the private sector seems to be higher than in the public sector in some areas, with the number of private hospital beds growing by 18% between 2007 and 2011. In addition, a number of large infrastructure projects are under way, including a new medical city in the south of the country and a children’s and maternity hospital in Al Jouf. Private companies are also investing in expansion, while foreign firms are stepping up their commitments within the sector.

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Overview

On track for expansion: Rising demand and increased investment will power the sector
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While the state remains the largest player in the health care industry in Saudi Arabia, providing free treatment to nationals and stepping up spending, the authorities are working to encourage the expansion of the already substantial private health sector. Health spending has been on the rise, with the government having recently substantially increased the health budget, investing in infrastructure expansion and initiatives such as computerisation and audit programmes. Population growth, increasing…

Analysis

Becoming a regional leader: Plans for investment and expansion will make the Kingdom a more prominent player in clinical research
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As a leading venue for medical research in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia notable areas of focus include fields such as genomics and stem cell treatment. While data suggests that it remains a comparatively minor player on the international stage, there are signs that this is changing as foreign institutions are establishing research initiatives in the Kingdom with local partners. Research Institutions The largest medical research institution in the Kingdom is the King Fahd Medical Research Centre (KFMRC),…

Analysis

Spending wisely: Both the state and foreign firms are ramping up investment
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Expenditure on health in Saudi Arabia is low by regional standards in per capita terms; however, it is high as a proportion of GDP and is rising, with the government having significantly boosted the health budget in 2011. Funds committed to the sector under the latest five-year plan have also risen. A number of major state-funded infrastructure and medical city projects are currently under way with more to follow, and the private sector is following the government’s lead, including plans by major…