Wise care and clinical research: the future of health in Saudi Arabia
A specialized health symposium hosted by Alfaisal University in Riyadh recommended expanding investment in clinical research and implementing a , wise care . This strategic approach aims to address the significant rise in chronic disease rates and build a sustainable Saudi healthcare system closely aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. The symposium, titled "Promoting Public Health and Health Economics in Saudi Arabia," featured a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers who discussed contemporary challenges related to the quality and increasing costs of healthcare.
The historic shift towards wise care in the health sector
Historically, healthcare systems worldwide have relied on a pay-per-service model, leading to inflated costs without a corresponding improvement in patient health outcomes. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Health Sector Transformation Program has emerged as a key pillar for restructuring the system. In this context, the concept of "wise care" represents a paradigm shift, focusing on value and health outcomes rather than simply the volume of services provided.
Dr. Saleh Al-Tamimi, former CEO of the First Health Cluster in Riyadh, revealed detailed statistics indicating that 73 percent of deaths in the Kingdom are currently linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Al-Tamimi issued a critical warning: the number of people suffering from these diseases could jump from five million to ten million by 2030 if the new Saudi healthcare model is not effectively implemented. He pointed out that the healthcare transformation hinges on establishing 20 health clusters serving approximately 22 million beneficiaries, while simultaneously shifting towards value-based financing to minimize financial waste.
Localizing clinical research: A promising economic and medical impact
The impact of this transformation extends beyond direct healthcare to encompass major economic and regional dimensions. By strengthening its medical infrastructure, the Kingdom aims to become a leading regional hub for medical innovation. In the context of therapeutic solutions, Dr. Ahmed Al-Jedaie, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at Alfaisal University, emphasized the need to localize clinical research to develop solutions that are precisely tailored to the genetic characteristics of Saudi society.
Al-Jadaie highlighted a significant paradox: the Kingdom's share of global clinical trials does not exceed 0.2 percent, despite holding 0.7 percent of the global pharmaceutical market. This disparity necessitates redoubled efforts to bridge the gap. He emphasized that investment in research represents a substantial economic driver, citing international experiences that have generated billions of dollars in returns, created high-quality jobs, and bolstered the independence of the national pharmaceutical industry, thus enhancing the Kingdom's standing on the international healthcare map.
Demographic data and the future of the health system
For his part, Dr. John Magee, Director General of Health Policy and Knowledge, highlighted the importance of redefining the concept of medical value within the framework of advanced healthcare, linking it to building a comprehensive and healthy society. Magee emphasized that building a healthcare system capable of delivering sustainable value fundamentally depends on the quality of data, its accurate analysis, and the development of highly flexible and transparent governance models.
Regarding the demographic changes taking place in society, Dr. Mohammed Al-Luhaidan, Director of the Health Economics Department at the Saudi Health Council, warned of projections indicating that the percentage of elderly people in the Kingdom will rise to nearly 20 percent by 2050. Al-Luhaidan revealed preliminary results of a longitudinal experimental study, which showed that family caregivers spend more than 12 hours a week assisting the elderly, reflecting the magnitude of the expected future pressures on the social and health system, and necessitating early preparation for these transformations.
Integrating efforts to achieve quality of life
The symposium concluded with Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi, Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Director of the Center for Health Economics at Alfaisal University, emphasizing the pivotal role of integration between the academic and health sectors in developing sustainable solutions. Dr. Al-Otaibi asserted that empowering young talent and equipping them with research and leadership skills is a fundamental pillar for achieving quality of life aspirations and ensuring a healthy, safe, and prosperous future for generations to come in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
