In a significant step aimed at supporting the transformation of the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Alfaisal University in Riyadh, represented by its College of Medicine and Center for Health Economics, is organizing a specialized workshop entitled “Wise Healthcare.” This prominent scientific event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the university campus, attracting a select group of local and international experts to discuss ways to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare systems.
General context: In line with Saudi Vision 2030
This workshop is central to the Kingdom's strategic directions within Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. The Health Sector Transformation Program is a cornerstone of achieving this goal, aiming to restructure the healthcare system to be more resilient and sustainable. This transformation focuses on shifting from a service-volume model of care to a "value-based care" model, which aims to achieve the best possible health outcomes for patients at the lowest possible cost—the core of the "wise healthcare" concept addressed in this workshop.
Workshop objectives and main themes
The workshop aims to highlight the latest global practices in adopting quality- and efficiency-based healthcare models. Discussions will focus on several key areas, including how to measure the performance of healthcare systems, applying health economics principles to decision-making, and avoiding unnecessary medical procedures that may increase financial burdens without adding real value to patient health. The workshop will also showcase practical experiences and successful case studies that can be used to develop healthcare services in the Kingdom.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The workshop's significance stems from its role as a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise among policymakers, academic experts, and healthcare practitioners. Locally, the workshop's outcomes are expected to empower national talent and equip them with the necessary tools to implement innovative models that enhance the efficiency of hospitals and health centers. Regionally, this initiative reinforces Riyadh's position as a leading hub for knowledge and innovation in healthcare, sharing its experience in healthcare transformation with other countries in the region. Internationally, the event underscores the Kingdom's commitment to implementing the highest global standards and actively participating in the global dialogue on the future of healthcare.
A select group of speakers and experts
The workshop will be presented by a distinguished group of specialists, including Dr. Sarah Al-Munif, Director General of Quality and Efficiency Measurement of Health Systems at the Wise Care Center, Dr. John Magee, Director General of Policy and Knowledge, and Dr. Nayef Al-Otaibi, Head of the Center for Health Economics at Alfaisal University. The speaker lineup also includes international experts such as Dr. Matthew Stewart from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and Dr. Noura Al-Hussaini, Head of the Department of Statistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health at Alfaisal University, ensuring a rich and diverse range of perspectives. The workshop is designed for a wide range of healthcare practitioners, health economists, policymakers, hospital leaders, and medical teams, and is accredited for four Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours.
