Specialized Hospital in Jeddah launches plasma exchange service in outpatient clinics
In a move reflecting the Saudi Arabian healthcare sector's commitment to adopting the latest global practices, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah announced the launch of its outpatient "Therapeutic Plasma Exchange" program. This initiative represents a significant advancement in specialized healthcare, aiming to enhance the patient experience, reduce the need for inpatient admissions, and optimize the use of medical resources.
The concept of plasma exchange and its medical importance
Therapeutic plasma exchange (RPA) is a highly advanced and precise medical procedure primarily used to treat a range of complex and rare diseases. This procedure involves separating plasma from blood cells and replacing them with healthy plasma or other alternatives, which helps eliminate harmful antibodies or toxins from the bloodstream. This treatment is commonly used for autoimmune diseases, certain neurological disorders, and severe cases of poisoning, making it a cornerstone of modern medicine.
Strategic shift in care delivery
The significance of this announcement lies in the shift from providing this service exclusively to inpatients to making it available in outpatient clinics. This change not only alleviates pressure on hospital beds but also offers patients greater flexibility and peace of mind by enabling them to receive treatment and return home the same day. This approach mirrors best practices in leading international medical centers, positioning the Kingdom among the most advanced nations in healthcare management.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of the healthcare transformation underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030. The healthcare transformation program aims to facilitate access to healthcare services and improve their quality and efficiency. By providing complex, specialized treatments in outpatient clinics, the hospital contributes to raising operational performance indicators, reducing waiting times, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses requiring regular treatment sessions.
Global standing and regional leadership
This development is built upon the solid foundation of medical excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. The hospital has established itself as one of the world’s leading medical institutions, ranking first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the 2025 list of the top 250 academic healthcare institutions. It has also achieved top rankings as the region’s best healthcare brand and was included in Newsweek’s list of the world’s best smart hospitals. This impressive track record reinforces confidence in the hospital’s ability to lead medical innovation in the region and provide treatment solutions that rival those in the West.
