In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, a specialized symposium hosted by Alfaisal University in Riyadh recommended adopting a two-pronged approach based on expanding investment in clinical research and implementing a "wise care" model. These recommendations come in response to the growing challenges of chronic diseases and aim to build a sustainable healthcare sector aligned with the ambitious goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
General context: Health transformation within the framework of Vision 2030
This symposium, titled “Promoting Public Health and Health Economics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” falls within the broader context of the comprehensive transformation underway in the Saudi healthcare sector. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has prioritized the health of its citizens, aiming to increase life expectancy and improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. This transformation relies on a shift from a service-volume-based funding model to one focused on value and health outcomes, aligning with the concept of “wise care,” which aims to minimize financial waste and provide the best possible patient care.
The challenge of chronic diseases: alarming figures
The symposium, which featured a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers, highlighted the scale of the health challenge. Dr. Saleh Al-Tamimi, CEO of the First Health Cluster in Riyadh, revealed a worrying fact: 73% of deaths in the Kingdom are currently linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Al-Tamimi warned that the number of people suffering from these diseases could jump from five million to ten million by 2030 if the new Saudi healthcare model, which is based on establishing 20 health clusters to serve 22 million beneficiaries, is not effectively implemented.
Clinical research: from consumption to knowledge production
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Al-Jedaie, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at Alfaisal University, emphasized the critical importance of localizing clinical research. He explained that the Kingdom's share of global clinical trials does not exceed 0.2%, a very small percentage compared to its share of the global pharmaceutical market, which stands at 0.7%. This gap not only deprives the Kingdom of substantial economic returns, but more importantly, it impacts the effectiveness of treatments provided, as developing therapeutic solutions tailored to the genetic characteristics of Saudi society is vital. Al-Jedaie affirmed that investment in this sector represents a significant economic driver, capable of creating high-quality jobs and supporting local pharmaceutical industries, citing international experiences that have generated billions of dollars in returns.
"Wise care" and demographic changes
Dr. John Magee, Director General of Health Policy and Knowledge, emphasized the need to redefine the concept of medical value under the umbrella of "wise care" to build a comprehensive and healthy society. He stressed that building a sustainable healthcare system fundamentally depends on the quality of data and the accuracy of its analysis, as well as on developing more flexible and transparent governance models. In a related context, Dr. Mohammed Al-Luhaidan, from the Saudi Health Council, warned of impending demographic changes, noting that the percentage of elderly people in the Kingdom is expected to rise to nearly 20% by 2050, which will increase pressure on the healthcare and social systems. Dr. Nayef Al-Otaibi, from Alfaisal University, concluded by affirming that integration between the academic and healthcare sectors and the empowerment of young talent are two essential pillars for achieving the Kingdom's aspirations for a high quality of life.
