The Director of the Saudi Center for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions “CBAHI“, Dr. Salem Al-Wahhabi, said that the health system in the Kingdom and in many European countries faces many challenges.
During his meeting with the “Yahla” program on the “Rotana Gulf” channel, Al-Wahhabi explained that the challenges of the health system lie in the Corona pandemic that swept many countries of the world, the scarcity of human cadres, the high cost of health care, and the population growth, indicating that the cost of the pharmaceutical industry exceeds billions of dollars. .
He added that the challenges also include the spread of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stress, heart diseases and tumors, noting that these diseases persist for long periods and their treatment exhausts the health system.
Dr.. Salem Al-Wahabi – General Manager of the Center #spahi:
The spread of chronic diseases is the biggest challenge facing the health system in the Kingdom, and the scarcity of qualified human cadres @salemalwahabi@cbahi_sa#Yahla_program #Gulf_Rotana pic.twitter.com/sOeOkzNvLt– Ya Hala Program (@YaHalaShow) December 31, 2021
Analysis: Challenges and Opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare System
As I analyzed the recent statement from Dr. Salem Al-Wahhabi, Director of the Saudi Center for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), it is clear that the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, like many European countries, faces significant challenges. These challenges, as Al-Wahhabi pointed out, include the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, scarcity of skilled healthcare professionals, and rising healthcare costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. In addition to the direct impact on patient care, the pandemic has accelerated the need for digital transformation in healthcare [[2]]. However, as highlighted by AlJohani’s research, the implementation of digital health technologies in Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages, with many challenges and opportunities for growth [[3]].
Another significant challenge facing the Saudi healthcare system is the scarcity of skilled healthcare professionals. This shortage can be attributed to various factors, including limited training and educational programs, inadequate workforce planning, and a lack of competitive salaries. Addressing this shortage will require strategic investments in healthcare education and workforce development.
Interestingly, the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative has been instrumental in driving healthcare reform in the kingdom [[1]]. The vision emphasizes the need for health insurance to reduce government healthcare costs and promote economic growth. As AlJohani’s research highlights, implementing health insurance can have numerous advantages, including improved healthcare access, better health outcomes, and reduced healthcare spending [[3]].
the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia faces numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, scarcity of skilled healthcare professionals, and rising healthcare costs. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and transformation. The Saudi government’s commitment to healthcare reform through initiatives like Vision 2030 and the development of digital health technologies can help address these challenges and improve healthcare outcomes for the Saudi population.
References:
[[1]]: Mani, Z. A. (2024). Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia.
[[2]]: Opportunities and Challenges in Saudi Healthcare (2024)
[[3]]: AlJohani, B. A. (2024). Advantages and Challenges of Implementation.
