Health & Life Sciences

The outlook for the health care sector remains positive despite Saudi Arabia facing a number of challenges in terms of increasing capacity to meet rising demand and a higher incidence of non-communicable diseases, as well as the more recent threat of Covid-19. The government’s efforts to restructure the public sector through decentralisation and digitalisation initiatives are increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Meanwhile, ongoing privatisation and efforts to create a more competitive health care environment are improving care and attracting significant investment. The shift towards public-private partnerships and build-operate-transfer contracts is expected to support private sector activity in the decade to come, while the burgeoning health start-up ecosystem is set to contribute to a greater level of digitalisation. This chapter contains an interview with Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority.