Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health aims to reduce surgery waiting times to 12 days by 2024
The healthcare system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed a radical transformation and a qualitative leap by the end of 2024, achieving record-breaking figures in reducing patient waiting times and increasing the efficiency of response in emergency departments. This strategic step culminates ongoing efforts aimed at improving the quality of health-related lives and facilitating access to treatment services quickly and accurately, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Record numbers in reducing waiting lists
The latest health performance indicators reveal the success of the Ministry of Health's operational plans in addressing one of the most significant challenges the sector has faced in recent years. The average waiting time for outpatient appointments has decreased dramatically, from 36 days in 2017 to just 20 days by the end of this year. This substantial reduction in waiting times reflects a fundamental improvement in the management of medical resources and human resources, enhancing the patient experience and ensuring they receive diagnostic medical consultations in record time.
A remarkable achievement in surgical operations
In a remarkable digital achievement reflecting the efficiency of operating rooms and family management, data showed a decrease in the average waiting time for routine surgical procedures from 36 days in 2018 to just 12 days in 2024. This two-thirds reduction is a significant accomplishment that directly contributes to expediting medical interventions, preventing the worsening of medical conditions, and improving patient outcomes, thus eliminating the long waiting lists that previously placed a psychological and health burden on patients.
High efficiency in emergency departments
In the area of emergency and critical care services, indicators showed a significant increase in the speed of professional response, with the percentage of patients treated within four hours jumping from 84.64% in 2017 to 91.20% by the end of 2024. This figure reflects improved efficiency in medical response, enhanced triage pathways, and increased readiness of healthcare teams around the clock, all of which contributed to raising the quality of service provided and reducing waiting times and overcrowding in emergency departments.
National context and the importance of health transformation
These figures cannot be separated from the broader context of the transformation underway in the Kingdom's healthcare sector. National strategies over the past years have focused on restructuring the sector to be more comprehensive and efficient. Digital solutions, such as unified health applications and electronic appointment systems, along with the expansion of specialized medical services, have contributed to these results. These achievements are of paramount importance as they directly impact life expectancy and quality of life. Rapid access to healthcare ensures a reduction in health complications and higher recovery rates, placing the Kingdom among the leading nations in healthcare standards and speed of service delivery.
