Saudi is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize healthcare: Philips Future Health Index 2023 Saudi Arabia report

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi launched the Health Sector Transformation Program in 2021, focusing on improving access to affordable healthcare, modernizing facilities, and increasing private-sector investment. Fast forward to today, and the initiative has borne fruit, as evidenced by the takeaways from Philips’ Future Health Index (FHI) 2023 Saudi Arabia report. The FHI report by Philips is based on proprietary research involving about 3,000 healthcare leaders and younger healthcare professionals across 14 countries, including KSA.

The Future Health Index 2023 Saudi Arabia report unveils a compelling narrative of progressive transformation within the Kingdom's healthcare landscape. This illuminating journey is characterized by a steadfast commitment to innovation and digital evolution. In essence, Saudi Arabia is not merely adapting to change; it is actively shaping the future of healthcare. The Future Health Index 2023 Saudi Arabia report highlights important focus areas for healthcare leaders that will help them enhance care delivery and increase efficiencies within their facilities.

“In Saudi Arabia, a patient-centric model is gaining momentum. The adoption of AI and a commitment to sustainability are defining themes in Saudi's healthcare landscape, reflecting its progressive stance. The report unveils a healthcare ecosystem driven by technological advancements, strategic collaborations, and a dedication to environmental responsibility. This forward-looking approach aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030, emphasizing a transformative healthcare vision of incorporating cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes,” opined Mohammad Mostafa, General Manager, Health Systems, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa at Philips. 

As per the FHI report, about 63% of Saudi healthcare leaders are using or planning to use digital health technologies to help reduce the impact of workforce shortages in 2023. Among those leveraging novel technologies, a staggering 77% are particularly focusing on AI — a significant increase from the corresponding 46% in 2022 — and about 73% are offering a form of virtual care. Most importantly, while shaping a patient-centric model, technologies are helping healthcare providers alleviate pressure on staff — an outcome of great consequence in an industry disproportionately plagued by staff burnout and stress and resulting shortages and inefficiencies. The use of technology in healthcare data handling and visitor management will automate tedious tasks and enable the staff to focus on important duties like caregiving. Such practices in the Saudi healthcare industry, Philips’ report highlights, are leading to increased productivity and satisfaction among the staff. Those, in turn, will translate into better talent attraction and retention, particularly of younger healthcare professionals, whose growing influence in the industry was underscored by the report.

Speaking to Eye of Riyadh, Mohammad Mostafa added that the transformations signal a robust leap forward in patient-centric care. “This surge in AI adoption aligns with the Kingdom's broader vision of utilizing advanced technology to revolutionize healthcare. The anticipated outcomes, such as improved patient safety, affordability, and better value for money, reaffirm Saudi Arabia's commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.” 

Younger healthcare professionals are leading the transformations

Younger healthcare professionals in Saudi are gravitating towards patient-centric models for several good reasons. Their rationale is that such a model will uphold patient education and utmost compliance with treatment protocols while supporting collaborative efforts with local communities and enhancing care delivery through data portability, advanced diagnostic tools, and AI-based solutions. Consequently, about 35% of younger professionals said their career choice of a workplace/healthcare facility depends on the presence of connected care delivery with streamlined clinical pathways. About 34% of respondents said the same about a facility’s use of AI to optimize routine tasks. 

Another notable trend where younger healthcare professionals find themselves as key stakeholders is partnerships. “The FHI report illuminates the importance of collaboration between healthcare leaders and younger professionals to innovate new care delivery models. This synergy is particularly crucial in meeting the evolving needs and expectations of patients in the post-pandemic era. The collaborative efforts between seasoned leaders and the fresh perspectives of younger professionals form a robust approach to revolutionizing healthcare delivery,” explained Mohammad Mostafa, revealing that about 46% of Saudi healthcare leaders are also forging partnerships with health technology companies. 

Philips’ report touches upon how critical such partnerships are to developing a healthcare model that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders. Partnerships and synergies, especially between governing bodies and healthcare providers, help in developing and implementing common standards and incentives needed to bridge existing gaps in care delivery. Most importantly, collaborations will ensure a seamless flow of information across healthcare disciplines, leading to positive outcomes for patients, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. Mohammad Mostafa added that harmonization across the ecosystem could support sustainable innovations and accelerate the decarbonization of healthcare. “Going forward, clinical and economic evidence of the benefits of new care delivery models will be an essential driver for further adoption.”

Institutionalizing sustainability in Saudi healthcare 

One of the most telling takeaways from Philips’ FHI report is the growing sustainability focus on the Saudi healthcare industry. About 36% of healthcare leaders in the Kingdom said they plan to set sustainability targets, measure progress, and recruit more staff with special skills to overcome implementation challenges in such initiatives. The recognition of the importance of environmental sustainability, Mohammad Mostafa says, signifies that Saudi isn’t merely keeping up with global healthcare trends but leading by example. 

“The dual focus on advanced technology and sustainability positions Saudi at the forefront of the future of global healthcare,” Mohammad Mostafa continued, “Over the last 90 years, Philips has actively contributed to the healthcare landscape of the Kingdom. We reaffirm our commitment to Vision 2030, aligning with our broader mission of innovating for a healthier and more sustainable world. Our role in the ambitious vision involves continually introducing best-in-class innovations that ensure quality care and contribute to the nation's healthcare development.”

A cause for Mohammad Mostafa’s optimism is a finding that a resounding 96% of healthcare leaders in Saudi are planning to increase investments in AI in the next 3 years— significantly higher than the corresponding 66% in 2022. It indicates a sharp shift in perception of AI in a short span. Evidently, Vision 2030 initiatives like the Health Sector Transformation Program have played an integral role in shaping such perceptions. More institutional push will ensure Saudi remains at the vanguard of a fast-changing global healthcare landscape. 

https://www.philips.sa/en/a-w/about/news/future-health-index/reports/2023/taking-healthcare-everywhere.html