The Emergence and Growth of Digital Health in Saudi Arabia: A Success Story

Abstract

AbstractThe development of Digital Health in Saudi Arabia has been evolving at a rapid pace, in alignment with the health sector’s 2030 Transformation Program. This chapter will cover the development of the digital health sector and outline some of the main technologies that serve it. As an introduction, the journey of digital health, specifically Electronic Health Records, among other technologies within the landscape of Saudi Arabia, have been outlined. Followed by an introduction of the digital health transformation, technologies and solutions that were introduced or enhanced in the existing digital market, including: Telemedicine, patient portals, mHealth, wearable health monitoring technologies, virtual reality and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, blockchains, and the Seha virtual hospital. The chapter will be explored through references to key players in the digital health ecosystem, such as the patients, providers, the Ministry of Health (MOH), other regulators and initiatives, including their contributions to digital health in the Kingdom. The chapter will conclude with implications and opportunities for investment in this field, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Research, partnerships and changing healthcare reform are highlighted as driving improvements in Saudi Arabian digital health.