Health & Life Sciences

Saudi Arabia’s health and life sciences sectors are undergoing a transformation driven by the Health Sector Transformation Programme and the National Biotechnology Strategy, creating significant opportunities for private sector investment. The government plans to invest $66bn in health care infrastructure between 2021 and 2030, with up to 65% from the private sector. This includes expanding hospitals, improving facilities and boosting digitalisation and telemedicine services. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 emphasises world-class health care, with the pharmaceuticals sector benefitting from innovation and investment. In 2023 Saudi Arabia had 510 hospitals and extensive health care facilities. The shift towards private health care, alongside continued growth, positions Saudi Arabia as an attractive market for health care and medical research and development in the coming years. This chapter also contains interviews with Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al Jalajel, Minister of Health; Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Chairman, King Salman Centre for Disability Research; and Fahad Al Shebel, CEO, National Unified Procurement Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Strategic growth: Comprehensive health care transformation programme drives both modernisation and private sector participation
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There is cause for optimism in Saudi Arabia’s health and life sciences sectors, with the rollout of key government programmes transforming the way the Kingdom approaches medical care and scientific research. This presents notable opportunities for private sector investment – both domestic and international. Under the ambitious Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP), more hospitals and clinics are set to be built and existing facilities will be improved. An enhanced role for private health…

Interview

Targets and outcomes: Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al Jalajel, Minister of Health, on how the sector’s strategies are actualising change in the Kingdom
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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…

Interview

Support measures: Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Chairman, King Salman Centre for Disability Research, on implementing new technologies to help improve quality of life
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Interview: Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Chairman, King Salman Centre for Disability Research How is health care research in Saudi Arabia addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities? PRINCE SULTAN BIN SALMAN AL SAUD: Health care research in Saudi Arabia has a strong emphasis on expanding and enhancing the capabilities of specialised centres. These efforts are not limited to medical treatments, but also extend to societal integration and improving accessibility in daily life. Innovative…

Analysis

Biotech revolution: International partnerships and education reforms help to strengthen the segment’s talent development pipeline
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Saudi Arabia’s government aims to transform the Kingdom into a biotech centre by 2040, aligned with its long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030. The global biotech market has grown considerably due to the potential to transform human health and enhance operations across health, agriculture and chemicals. Policy & Investment In 2024 the National Biotech Strategy (NBS) was launched to spur the rollout of health care reforms and initiatives in support of the segment. It highlights four…

Interview

Efficient conduits: Fahad Al Shebel, CEO, National Unified Procurement Company, on the strategies and technologies ensuring the efficiency and security of the domestic health care supply chain
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Interview: Fahad Al Shebel, CEO, National Unified Procurement Company In what ways will digital technologies improve the procurement of health care supplies? FAHAD AL SHEBEL: Over the next decade, advanced analytics and machine learning will enhance supply and demand planning. Analysing historical data and market trends will enable accurate predictions of medical and pharmaceutical needs, helping providers optimise procurement and reducing the risks of over- or under-stocking. The digitisation…