Saudi Health Sector Transformation Program is a lifesaver from illness 
I was honored, along with several local newspaper chief editors, Saudi opinion leaders, and writers, to meet Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dossary and Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel on Jan. 1, 2024. The objective of the meeting was to update the attendees on the latest developments in the Saudi Health Sector Transformation Program.
The program was launched in 2021 as one of the main Saudi Vision 2030 programs and eight themes of the National Transformation Program, aimed at enhancing the public healthcare system in the Kingdom and improving its efficiency. Additionally, the program focuses on improving access to healthcare, modernizing facilities and equipment, and enhancing the role of private-sector investment.
The philosophy of the Health Sector Transformation Program is built on the concept of health clustering centers. This represents an advanced approach to healthcare, integrating a chain of health services that encompasses hospitals, healthcare centers, public spaces, schools and home care, using technology and its applications.
Additionally, the program focuses on raising public health awareness about various potential diseases. This goal is achieved by implementing health protection measures to minimize diseases and improve access to the healthcare system seamlessly, achieved through the expansion of e-health services and digital solutions.
More importantly, the main objective of the program is to create a public healthy environment free of illness, prioritizing prevention over the cure, particularly for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. This is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles that help individuals to maintain good health. Consequently, the program encourages public participation in sports and athletic activities, and it also focuses on improving traffic safety to reduce death rates, injuries and accidents.
I believe that the Health Sector Transformation Program will support the Kingdom’s efforts in transforming the healthcare system to be more comprehensive, effective and integrated than ever before.
According to the World Health Organization, the Kingdom has reduced road crash deaths by nearly 35 percent in five years. The fatality rate stood at 28.8 per 100,000 people in 2016, and by 2021 the rate had dropped to 18.5 per 100,000 people.
This significant achievement puts the country on track to meet the global goal of a 50 percent reduction in road traffic deaths by the end of the 2nd UN Decade of Action for Road Safety in 2030.
The private sector plays a vital role in supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve its national health goals and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.
The National Transformation Program includes several measurements and indicators that support the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare sector through information technology and transformation. Additionally, it enforces accountability in issues related to medical service quality, patient safety, and other measures that promote medical governance.
I believe that the Health Sector Transformation Program will support the Kingdom’s efforts in transforming the healthcare system to be more comprehensive, effective and integrated than ever before.
This would enhance the health system in the Kingdom by prioritizing innovation, financial sustainability and disease prevention, while improving easy access to healthcare.
It will also improve access to e-health services and digital solutions, enhancing the quality of care and adhering to international standards.
• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
