Healthcare

Health Journey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began under the directives of the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God have mercy on him - who paid great attention to and sought to develop and enhance public health. The most prominent steps in that phase represented in expanding cooperation with international organizations and benefiting from specialized foreign expertise, to keep pace with the latest developments in the health sector. Additional focus was given to localizing competencies and building the first foundations for an integrated health sector that covers all regions of Saudi Arabia.

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Health Legislation

The health law in Saudi Arabia aims to provide comprehensive health care for all people in a fair and accessible manner. Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Health (MoH), provides an integrated network of healthcare services covering all regions. Healthcare in the government medical facilities is provided for citizens for free and based on a new health strategy that meets the needs of the health sector.

MoH, in cooperation with regional councils, determines the need, locations and levels of health care provision, according to the geographical and demographic situation, and the patterns of diseases prevalent in the region. Note that healthcare in the government medical facilities is provided for citizens for free and based on the strategic plan that meets the needs of the health sector.

To empower patients and involve them in the decisions that improve the services provided, the MoH is committed to clarifying the rights and responsibilities of patients towards the health facility in the Bill of Rights, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the field of providing health care services, and taking into consideration the human, social, and national rights and duties guaranteed by the bill to individuals to improve the quality of services provided and increase the patients trust in health facilities. It also aims to strengthen the bonds of joint health and humanitarian work between service providers and recipients at all levels.

If the patient is referred for treatment outside the region of his residence (inside or outside Saudi Arabia), the MoH shall bear these expenses during the treatment period, according to the regulation of the expenses of Saudi patients and their companions referred for treatment outside their areas of residence.

Health Licenses

Health Facilities Licenses

Saudi Arabia worked on developing a unified and comprehensive system for all health licensing services, characterized by direct technical integration with all relevant government agencies. The owner of the health facility can obtain initial approval for a license for a health facility and the issuance of the final license for a health facility by registering on the electronic health services platform “Seha”. Furthermore, a healthcare practitioner can obtain a license to practice through the Seha platform for e-services within 30 seconds. The healthcare practitioner can also request to be assigned to a facility other than the facility he works in through the same platform. The platform contains many other services. You can view the services guide from here.

Health Facilities

Health care services are provided to more than 32 million citizens and residents, as well as several million visitors during Hajj and Umrah periods, through health facilities that include medical cities, specialized hospitals, university and military hospitals and primary care centers.

The MoH provided an interactive map on its website showing all of the government medical facilities' locations and other relative information regarding the facility.

In order to facilitate the beneficiary’s access to the health services as well as facilitating their transfer between the different types of care, the MoH seeks to establish the launch of health clusters in all regions of the kingdom. These clusters would allow the movement of medical competencies and provide the beneficiary with an integrated and interconnected network of healthcare service providers subject to one administrative structure. Among the health clusters launched are the Riyadh First Health Cluster and the Riyadh Second Health Cluster.

Healthcare Services

Saudi Arabia facilitated access to healthcare services, raising the percentage of specialized consultations provided within 4 weeks from 38% to 84% and increasing the percentage of urban and rural communities with access to basic healthcare services in their locations from 78% in 2016 to 85.7% in 2020. For more information, click here.

Ambulance	You can request ambulance services through government health services or by calling the Saudi Red Crescent Authority on (997).
Emergency	937 is a free direct line to receive calls from patients and their families regarding health, such as providing medical consultations by doctors working around the clock, and receiving reports and complaints related to the health system.
Healthcare Licensing Services	It is a unified and comprehensive system of all healthcare licensing services, which are characterized by direct technical integration with all relevant government bodies. This system features the following services: Final Approval for Health Facility Licensing Service: This service enables investors and existing health facilities to issue, renew, cancel, and transfer ownership, as well as modifying data for health facility licenses automatically. Health Professions Licensure Service: This service enables health facilities in the Kingdom to issue, renew and cancel health practitioners license electronically within only 30 seconds.
Sehhaty	Sehhaty Platform: It is the unified platform of the Ministry of Health, which allows users to access health information and obtain several health services provided by various entities in the health sector in Saudi Arabia.
«Sehhaty» Platform	It is the unified platform of Ministry of Health, which allows users to access health information and obtain several health services provided by various entities in the health sector in Saudi Arabia.
Medical Consultation	An e-service provided by the MoH via (Seha) App. and IVR (937), which enables beneficiaries to request medical, mental and psychological consultation by doctors who work around the clock. It offers key advice and guidelines for poisoning cases.
Child Vaccination Reminder	A free e-service provided by the Ministry of Health as part of its efforts to protect the health of children and society from diseases. This service allows parents to receive reminders of the dates of basic vaccinations against diseases targeted by immunization, according to the vaccination schedule approved by the MoH. A reminder message is sent via mobile phone or email a week before the child's vaccination date.
Dispensing Medicines	Medicines are provided free of charge in government facilities for citizens, and they can also obtain medicines through the electronic prescription service “Wasfaty” through commercial pharmacies approved in the system, which makes it easy for beneficiaries to access the service at any time and from anywhere.
Psychological and Mental Counseling (Qareboon)	A service provided by the National Center for Mental Health Promotion, providing psychological and mental counseling supervised by a specialized work staff, through the application of (Qareboon). The application represents an integrated library that contains countless information on mental health with the latest modern means and methods, such as text materials, infographics, and visual content (video).
Treatment outside the place of residence	This service allows patients to be transferred to other regions within or outside Saudi Arabia to receive treatment at the state's expense, along with their companions. The beneficiary can inquire about treatment requests abroad electronically, which allows him to follow up on the status of his transaction submitted to the General Administration of Medical Authorities and Health Attachés Abroad. For more details, view this page.
Premarital Screening	Premarital screening is defined as testing couples planning to get married soon for common genetic blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia) and infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS). The premarital screening aims to give medical consultation on the odds of transmitting the abovementioned diseases to the other partner/spouse or children and to provide partners/spouses with options that help them plan for a healthy family. In the interest of Saudi Arabia to limit the spread of genetic diseases and reduce the financial burden resulting from treating the injured on the family and society, it has provided 131centers in all regions of Saudi Arabia, where either or both parties can undergo the examination without the need to book an appointment in advance. Other tests for all hereditary diseases can be done through the Genome Genetic Testing Center.

The Emergencies

Saudi Arabia’s government, represented by MoH, is concerned with managing health crises and disasters. Due to this concern, a specialized center known as the National Health Emergency Operations Center has been established.

It is a strategic project that aims to strengthen health crisis and disaster management processes at national and local levels thus raising the level of coordination between the concerned departments in the ministry. The center also provides decision makers with accurate information in crises to benefit from them in cases of early warning. The center operates around the clock and has 20 branches nationwide, followed by hospitals and health facilities within the scope of each branch.

Saudi Arabia has a range of emergency and ambulance numbers for specific health cases or rescue services. For more information about emergency contact numbers, click here.

Vaccination

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided free of charge series of basic vaccinations for the child from birth till they enroll in school. The vaccination schedule can be viewed here.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also developed an electronic children's vaccination certificate service, which is an alternative to the paper vaccination card. This service records vaccinations since birth for easy access at any time. Information is displayed in both Arabic and English on "Sehhaty" platform. For more information, click here.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia rushed to provide the Corona vaccine according to the highest standards of effectiveness and safety in cooperation with COVAX. Saudi Arabia has provided all citizens and residents with the opportunity to obtain the vaccine through "Sehhaty" App, without being obligatory. It has also answered all questions related to the vaccine, its importance and effectiveness.

Digital Health

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has developed a comprehensive plan to improve healthcare with the aim of achieving a sustainable healthcare system that is in line with international standards and reflects the ambitions and goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry of Health has developed a clear and integrated strategy that is in line with the vision. Among the most prominent health transformation programs managed by the MoH is the Digital Health Program, which aims to improve public health by providing quality-based healthcare services.

Technology plays a key role in supporting the realization of the vision and implementation of the strategy, as it contributes to expanding the ecosystem of the MoH’s digital health program. For more information, click here.

Unified Health File

The health file is one of the main pillars of providing health care within medical facilities, as it contributes to preserving all patient information, such as examinations, diagnoses, treatments, follow-up reports, and other important medical decisions. The home health care services system aims to collect all patient data in one place, which eliminates duplication of data entry, contributes to improving the quality of health services and facilitates the work of health practitioners.

This system relies on the national identity number (civil identity) or the resident identity number (residence) as a reference for the unified health file number at the Saudi Arabia level. For more information, click here.

Telehealth

As part of the National E-Health Strategy, Saudi Arabia has introduced Telehealth Services, an electronic service thSmart Device Applications

at allows individuals to access remote medical consultations. This service helps reduce non-emergency hospital visits, minimizes the risk of infection, and saves time and effort for beneficiaries. Users can access this service through smart device applications such as the “Sehhaty” App or by calling the 937 hotline, available 24/7. For more details, please refer to the Telehealth Guide [click here].

Mother & Child Healthcare

Saudi Arabia places significant emphasis on family health, recognizing the profound impact of maternal and child well-being on the overall health of society. In this respect, the Ministry of Health established specialized departments for maternal and child care in the healthcare centers. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been launched to highlight the importance of child safety and promote breastfeeding, along with other health programs aimed at enhancing health awareness across the community.

Mother and Child Health Passport

The MoH has introduced the "Mother and Child Health Passport" system to provide comprehensive healthcare by monitoring and tracking health status, conducting necessary examinations, and performing essential tests.
All information is documented in the passport, serving as a primary reference for the health of both mother and child at the healthcare centers.

Reproductive and Sexual Healthcare

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Health, provides reproductive health care services, including preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The pregnant woman can choose to deliver her baby in a public or private hospital; Saudi Arabia shall guarantee them their full rights throughout this period.

In recognition of the need for some cases to treat problems related to delayed childbearing, Saudi Arabia has developed the Fertilization, Embryo and Infertility Treatment Units Law, which ensures that Infertility clinics provide service safely and fairly. Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of public and private centers specialized in treating infertility cases. For more information about infertility, click here.

To learn more about women Empowerment in Saudi Arabia, click here.

To learn more about children's Rights in Saudi Arabia, click here.

Elderly Healthcare

Saudi Arabia has implemented specialized care programs for senior citizens (aged 65 and above) tailored to meet their health and social needs. All relevant entities work collaboratively to ensure a dignified standard of living for seniors unable to work, facilitated through services provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These services include: in-kind assistance for those in need, financial aid for medical devices, and an advantage card that grants access to special services and benefits. The Ministry also offers homecare services for elderly, which can be requested through the Social Care Platform or via the Ministry of Health- Home Healthcare Services.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to elderly care extends beyond services, focusing on raising awareness about healthy nutrition for elderly, the importance of mental health during aging, and publishing information on elderly health and COVID-19, along with other educational campaigns.

The Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives to support elderly citizens, including the "Awlawia Card," which aims to streamline and expedite services provided to this demographic within healthcare facilities.

Senior Adults Healthcare

Senior adults, those aged 65 or above, make important contributions to society as family members and active participants in the workforce. The senior category receives great attention in Saudi society; therefore, the country provides special programs to fulfill their needs and supports institutions and individuals to contribute to charitable work. Some of these efforts are Medical Equipment Subsidy Service, Care of the senior homes, and other programs and services available on The Ministry of Labor and Social Development Page, or on The Ministry of Health page. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia supported a "priority" service to facilitate their services and procedures within health facilities. It also established educational campaigns and worked on increasing the awareness of the community about matters related to seniors, like healthy nutrition for seniors, the mental health seniors, as well as the elderly risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other awareness campaigns.

Healthcare for People with Disabilities

Saudi Arabia guarantees citizens and their families all their rights regardless of their circumstances, so it undertakes to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and strive for the well-being and decent living for them and their families. Therefore, it has established the Disability Code, supported Social Security Law, and encouraged institutions and individuals to contribute to charitable work for them.

Saudi Arabia has been keen to provide rehabilitation services to help disabled people achieve the maximum possible degree of functional effectiveness and enable them to comply with the requirements of their natural and social environment, as well as develop their abilities to rely on themself and make them as productive as possible.

The MoH has also provided disability prevention services, a set of medical, psychological, social, educational, media and systemic procedures aimed at preventing or reducing disability, detecting it early, and minimizing its effects.

Furthermore, The MoH has also launched several initiatives that serve people with disabilities, including a Awlawia initiative to facilitate and accelerate the procedures and services provided to some groups within health facilities and We Are With You to serve the deaf category and enable communication between the patient and the doctor. To view the MoH Services Guide for People with Disabilities, click here.

Healthcare During Hajj

Saudi Arabia, represented by MoH, provides free and integrated health services to pilgrims during Hajj and various seasons through a network of hospitals and health centers established for this purpose, in addition to hospitals and centers operating throughout the year. The ministry also provides a range of different treatment services, as well as minor and critical surgeries, inpatient services, and pharmacological vaccines.

MoH also provides Hajj Visiting Manpower Participation Service. This service enables medical and technical staff specialized in some delicate specialties to apply for participation as part of MOH’s Hajj visiting manpower. This service targets health practitioners required from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to benefit from them during the hajj season for operating MOH’s health facilities in the holy sites, as well as enhancing some hospitals in Makkah and Madinah. For registration, click here.

Mental Health

Saudi Arabia cares about the mental health and safetyof its citizens and residents as much as it cares about the physical aspect.

To achieve this, Saudi Arabia has developed awareness campaigns to support mental health. The Ministry of Health has also provided psychological counseling services via phone through the Psychological Counseling Center (920033360) or through the Gariboon App, which is affiliated with the National Center for Mental Health Promotion. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has established centers and associations offering psychological healthcare services while safeguarding the rights of psychiatric patients, as well as the rights of all patients in general.

Saudi Arabia focuses on the early detection of depression and anxiety cases and the management of chronic mental health disorders through comprehensive health counseling services (primary mental health care). Saudi Arabia also aims to integrate medical treatment with emotional support through support groups that encourage patients to share their experiences and support one another.

Saudi Arabia boasts a wide network of mental health services, including approximately 21 psychiatric hospitals and 99 psychiatric clinics distributed across various regions. For details on their locations and contact information, click here.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has established the Ajwad Center for the care of homeless patients, providing them with the necessary care and rehabilitation. The National Center for Mental Health Promotion also offers an electronic guide with information on private hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and mental health-related associations and committees.

Chronic Diseases

Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to raise awareness and the degree of control of chronic diseases. To reduce complications, and coexist with disease, and to enhance the concept of self-health care among community members, educational sessions in health education clinics provided for each reviewer according to his health status, for follow-up and evaluation, which will be reflected in the quality of life of the references.

Health Insurance & Healthcare for Foreigners

Public hospitals treatment is for all people. However, when choosing to visit private hospitals or health facilities, the government obligates providing health insurance for non-Saudis working in Saudi Arabia under the Cooperative Health Insurance Law and its executive regulations. As for dealing with foreign humanitarian and critical situations, Saudi Arabia hosts the wounded and injured people from foreign countries and provides them with specialized treatment services at the highest levels. Saudi Arabia also regularly hosts conjoined twins for surgical separation.

Medicines & Pharmaceutical Products

The MoH launched a drug directory for smart devices, aimed at enabling physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff to verify medication doses before prescribing, dispensing, or administrating them to patients.

The Saudi Food & Drug Authority initiated the Drug Track and Trace System (RSD) to trace pharmaceutical products electronically in all phases, from production to consumption, by adopting and utilizing the latest technological means. This contributed to the generation of registering more than 4,800 health facilities and performing 1.2 billion operations on medicine bottles until the end of 2020, registering all medications at the point of sale in the Track and Trace system, protecting the community, promoting control, and ensuring the safety of medications, and knowing the sources of medications until they reach the consumers.

International Awards & Achievements

Saudi Arabia was ranked the first in the World Health Organization’s Electronic Monitoring System among eastern Mediterranean countries, which lead to an increase in the number of centers for monitoring flu infections from 15 in 2017 to 50 specialized centers in 2019 at a regional level and connecting centers to the WHO’s Electronic Monitoring System, which is aimed at monitoring flu cases and various patterns of viruses.

Healthcare During the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Saudi Arabia implemented comprehensive measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the protection of its citizens and residents. Every sector played a critical role in curbing the virus's spread, demonstrating a coordinated national effort. The Ministry of Health achieved significant milestones during the pandemic, including the launch of multiple digital applications and the development of additional services to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. The MoH also prioritized community awareness by providing accurate and reliable updates on COVID-19, emphasizing prevention methods and ways to limit transmission. These efforts included addressing inquiries and conducting educational campaigns with guidelines on precautionary measures and essential health applications needed during the crisis.

Tawakkalna App

The Saudi government has taken several preventive measures against the virus, including restricting roaming in a way that ensures the safety of everyone, and helps people fulfill their needs. Saudi Arabia worked to organize the roaming process through the “Tawakkalna App”, which provided electronic roaming permits to individuals.

Due to the rapid spread of the virus among people and Saudi Arabia's desire to reduce this spread, the government has identified specific sites in various cities and established centers to conduct virus tests for all citizens and residents free of charge, without the need to go to hospitals or health centers, through “Tawakkalna App”.

Tabaud App

To reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Saudi Commission for Data and Artificial Intelligence launched “Tabaud App”, a means of notifying contacts of people infected with the novel Coronavirus, enabling the user to obtain direct and proactive notifications if any recorded infection is detected, to request direct health support from the MoH.