Health & Life Sciences
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2020
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The outlook for the health care sector remains positive despite Saudi Arabia facing a number of challenges in terms of increasing capacity to meet rising demand and a higher incidence of non-communicable diseases, as well as the more recent threat of Covid-19. The government’s efforts to restructure the public sector through decentralisation and digitalisation initiatives are increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Meanwhile, ongoing privatisation and efforts to create a more competitive health care environment are improving care and attracting significant investment. The shift towards public-private partnerships and build-operate-transfer contracts is expected to support private sector activity in the decade to come, while the burgeoning health start-up ecosystem is set to contribute to a greater level of digitalisation. This chapter contains an interview with Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Clean bill: Public sector restructuring, digitalisation and increased private activity adds dynamism to care
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Saudi Arabia’s health care sector is currently undergoing major restructuring in response to rising demand and costs, driven by population growth and an increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At the same time, like the rest of the world, the Saudi health sector has had to contend with the threat posed by Covid-19 in the first half of 2020, with the authorities taking steps to limit both the health and economic impact of the virus. Guided by Vision 2030 – the Kingdom’s…

Interview

Innovative solutions: Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), on utilising new technologies for better overall care
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Interview:Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey In what ways can technology change the way medicines are consumed in the long term? HISHAM BIN SAAD ALJADHEY: Technology is introducing radical changes in the industry and is directly impacting the type and quality of products. Major advancements have led to gene therapy, biological products and advanced therapies. However, these new health developments face challenges, including large-scale replication of treatments; manufacturing capabilities that are not…

Analysis

Model patient: A new programme of reforms is decentralising public sector provision and facilitating private investment
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Transforming the delivery of public health services forms a key plank of Vision 2030. For decades facilities owned and operated by the Ministry of Health (MoH) have formed the backbone of the country’s health care system. While the private sector’s share has increased in recent years – with the share of beds in private facilities reaching 25% in 2018 – the public sector remains the primary vehicle for treatment and care. Rising costs associated with increased incidence of lifestyle-related…