Saudi and British experts underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in advancing healthcare. At the GREAT Futures Conference in Riyadh, luminaries from both countries illuminated the rapidly evolving terrain of the health sector and the burgeoning influence of cutting-edge technology within it.
During a series of panel discussions, it emerged that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is steadfast in its commitment to diminish waiting times, alleviate costs, and enhance the quality of life for its populace. This commitment is channeled through a concerted effort towards a preventative, patient-centric healthcare paradigm, extending quality care from hospital confines to individuals’ residences.
Dr. Khalid Al-Shaibani, CEO of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a pivotal component of the nation’s Vision 2030 agenda, inaugurated the event by articulating the paramountcy of digital health.
He emphasized its capacity to amplify healthcare provision, elevate patient outcomes, and stimulate economic prosperity. Dr. Al-Shaibani further underscored the synergistic collaboration across various sectors of the Saudi government, epitomizing a unified endeavor towards a future where health, equity, and sustainability are integrated into all decision-making processes.
Envisioning this future, Al-Shaibani and his counterparts, including Nick Markham, the UK’s Undersecretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care, and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Homod, chief medical officer of Seha Virtual Hospital, elucidated the potential for medical professionals to bridge the gap between primary and secondary care.
They envisaged a scenario where wearable technology could seamlessly track patients’ vital signs, furnishing a comprehensive understanding of their health status prior to secondary care intervention.
Dr. Al-Homod delineated the prospective role of innovation in optimizing secondary care, potentially mitigating costs and augmenting efficiency through virtual consultations. He encapsulated the prevailing optimism within the nation’s healthcare landscape, highlighting the conducive environment for companies and startups aspiring to contribute to healthcare innovation.
Dr. Al-Homod underscored the palpable momentum towards innovation and expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s leadership in fostering healthcare advancements, particularly with NEOM poised to emerge as a pioneering hub in this domain.
