Saudi Arabia's Life Expectancy Hikes to 78.8 Years in 2024
Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry announced that life expectancy in the Kingdom grew from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024 due to enhanced healthcare systems, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This noticeable increase was driven by the ministry's ongoing efforts to provide citizens with seamless health services and strengthen preventive measures.
The announcement was made during this year's celebration of World Health Day on April 7 under the theme of 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.'
The Health Ministry in KSA has recently intensified its health initiatives and awareness campaigns to spread healthy habits, encourage walking, and improve daily health routines.
These efforts played a central role in elevating public health indicators and quality of life. Therefore, it paved the way toward the Kingdom's ambitious objective of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030.
Apart from this, the ministry has collaborated with government entities to carry out health and nutrition reforms, such as banning hydrogenated oils, decreasing salt in food as well as making calorie disclosure mandatory on foods and in restaurants.
Moreover, the authorities are currently expanding its preventive and curative healthcare services and early screening initiatives.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom accelerates the implementation of the Health Sector Transformation Program to build a vibrant society where people enjoy health and welfare.
Related Topics:
Saudi Health Ministry to Launch 5th Annual 'Walk 30' at Sports Boulevard
Health Transformation Highlights Efforts of Agencies in 2024
Saudi Health Transformation Program: 50% Less Road Fatalities
Short link :
Post Views: 12
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
11 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
SMC Healthcare eyes major Saudi growth with IPO launch, AI integration
SMC Healthcare, one of Riyadh's largest private healthcare providers, is entering a transformative phase marked by rapid expansion, AI integration, and a high-profile listing on the Saudi Exchange. The company is doubling down on growth as part of a strategy to position itself as a national leader aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, CEO Bassam Chahine told Al Arabiya English. Saudi Arabia expansion plans 'SMC Healthcare's operational model is defined by scale, integration and strategic growth plans underpinned by clinical excellence and consistent financial performance,' said Chahine. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to raise private-sector participation in healthcare from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030, while also improving quality, access, and digitization of services. SMC's strategy fits squarely within these goals, according to Chahine who said the company is building 'a platform to support its ambitious growth agenda through potential different financing mechanisms, strategic partnerships, or future public-private projects.' SMC's next phase includes constructing three new hospitals in fast-growing Northern Riyadh, increasing its total bed capacity to 1,276 and outpatient clinics to over 770 by 2029. 'We are continuously enhancing our Centers of Excellence,' Chahine added, noting new developments such as the Kingdom's first dialysis unit for infants under 18 months and a mental health facility developed under the Ministry of Health's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. Digital innovation Digital innovation is also central to both Vision 2030 and SMC's operating model. 'Over 62 percent of our appointments are booked through our mobile app, doubling from 31 percent in 2020,' Chahine said. 'SMC is also leveraging AI to enhance clinical operations,' including automating lab and radiology result interpretation, assisting physicians with recommendations, and delivering diagnostic summaries directly to patients – resulting in a 50 percent reduction in wait times. The company's robust digital infrastructure and partnerships, including with Mayo Clinic Laboratories, enable high-complexity care in oncology, cardiology, IVF, nephrology, and orthopedics. Chahine emphasized SMC's 'strong outpatient exposure (65.3 percent of revenues vs 50 per ent market average),' giving it a strategic advantage ahead of the rollout of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) pricing reforms. SMC's IPO launch Meanwhile, SMC's IPO on the Saudi Exchange drew institutional demand of more than $32.4 billion, a testament to investor confidence in the company's long-term value. 'The decision to go public reflects SMC's strong market position, solid financial performance, and long-term growth ambitions,' said Chahine. 'Our goal is to become a national champion in healthcare.' While the IPO proceeds will go to selling shareholders, Chahine said the listing boosts credibility and access to future capital markets: 'The IPO marks a natural next step in the Company's evolution.' Labor market transformation SMC's expansion also supports the Kingdom's labor market transformation. With more than 2,300 healthcare professionals and over 494 physicians, the company invests in global partnerships for training and is committed to Saudization. 'Our retention rates are among the highest in the sector, fueled by a culture of excellence, continuous education, and clinical innovation,' he said. Chahine said private providers like SMC are essential to Vision 2030's success: 'As government healthcare spending shifts toward policymaking and regulation, providers like SMC must step in to deliver accessible, high-quality care at scale.' With record patient volumes, expanding infrastructure, and AI-led care models, SMC is positioning itself at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare system. 'SMC's sophisticated business and operational model makes it ready to respond to market trends and play a key role in shaping the evolution of private healthcare in Saudi Arabia,' Chahine said.
Saudi Gazette
16 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Charting a value-driven healthcare future: BD Saudi Arabia's GM on local impact, innovation, and Vision 2030
In a candid conversation with Saudi Gazette, Omar Malabarey, newly appointed Country General Manager for Becton Dickinson in Saudi Arabia, shares his vision for the company's role in the Kingdom's fast-evolving healthcare sector. With decades of experience across public and private healthcare, Malabarey discusses BD's commitment to local talent development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2030. Q: Congratulations on your appointment as General Manager of BD in Saudi Arabia. Can you share your journey leading to this role and what it means to you? A: My journey in healthcare has been both dynamic and fulfilling. I graduated in Radiological Sciences from the University of Wales (UK)and began my career as a radiology technologist at a Military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following a decade in public healthcare, I transitioned to the corporate sector, where I held several senior leadership roles in digital health services. My journey then took me to the Ministry of Investment (formerly SAGIA), where I was the managing director for healthcare investment and promotion efforts responsible of medical devices , medical services , digital health and pharmaceutical investments . Before joining BD, I held the role of Chief commercial officer (CCO)at the National Unified Procurement Company) NUPCO. Stepping into this role at BD is a natural continuation of my mission to enhance the healthcare ecosystem system in KSA. BD has a legacy of innovation in medical technology, and I am honoured to lead its efforts in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful healthcare transformation. A: My priorities span both internal and external objectives. Internally, I am focused on fostering a strong, collaborative workplace culture. A key priority is to establish BD as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia, attracting and retaining top local talent while ensuring alignment with the Kingdom's Saudization my goal is to strengthen BD's presence and visibility in the Saudi market. While BD products are widely recognized, our corporate brand needs greater prominence among healthcare stakeholders. I want to position BD as not just a provider of high-quality medical technology but also as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Our focus is on value-driven healthcare—delivering not just products but comprehensive solutions, education, and best practices that enhance patient outcomes.A strong part of my role will be pursue rolling out our Signature Programmes™ in Saudi Arabia, which focus on three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance infection control, improve hospital workflows, and to help ensure the safety of both patients and medical professionals. Through these programmes, BD is helping hospitals and healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia implement best practices that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.A: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid and ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program aims to create a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centric, and digitally is fully aligned with this vision. We are not just a medical technology provider but a healthcare solutions partner, committed to driving innovation, education, and collaboration. Our focus is on automation, digital health solutions, and value-based procurement, all of which contribute to making healthcare more efficient and Arabia's commitment to digitalization is unmatched. It is the leading nation in digitization, and we see this reflected in healthcare. BD is supporting this shift by introducing smart medication management systems and robotics to enhance pharmacy automation, reduce human error, and improve patient care.A: Certainly. BD has evolved from a scientific office to a full commercial entity in Saudi Arabia, employing approximately 170 professionals and working alongside seven strategic distributors. Our commitment to Saudization is strong, and we continue to develop local talent in line with national workforce of our most exciting developments is the BD Training Center in Riyadh, which officially launched in April this year. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for healthcare professionals, providing hands-on training on BD's medical technologies, best practices, and clinical applications. It will also support technical training for engineers, ensuring seamless device maintenance and we also hosted our inaugural BD Healthcare Summit in Riyadh under the theme 'Embracing a Value Driven Future,' bringing together healthcare leaders to explore how AI, automation, and workforce empowerment can drive better outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision BD has established a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing our commitment to regional operations and market the collaboration front, we have signed an MoU with STC to explore digital health solutions and are in discussions with multiplekey players to drive healthcare innovation. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, focusing on enhancing nursing education and clinical competency.A: Saudi Arabia is embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and BD is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our key areas of focus is medication management systems and robotics, which optimize pharmacy automation, helping to ensure precise and efficient medication dispensing. These technologies not only enhance patient safety but also improve workflow efficiency in hospitals and are also expanding our digital health solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's drive for smart healthcare systems. Our goal is to integrate automation, data-driven healthcare, and AI-supported medical technologies that elevate patient care standards.A: Yes, partnerships are a key pillar of BD's strategy in Saudi Arabia. We have collaborated with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia using BD's advanced technology solutions. Additionally, BD has signed an MoU with STC, with further partnerships in discussion with Mobily and others toadvance digital healthcare and supply chain efficiency.A notable collaboration is our partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, which focuses on continuous education and professional development for nurses across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores BD's commitment to capacity-building in the healthcare workforce.A: The Saudi healthcare sector is moving toward value-based healthcare and value-based procurement models, where hospitals and institutions prioritize quality outcomes over mere cost efficiency. BD is actively engaging in this transition, particularly in laboratory solutions and major trend is digital transformation, where automation and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services. BD is driving innovation in pharmacy automation, digital medication management, and clinical diagnostics to support this we see a strong push toward local manufacturing and public-private partnerships, and BD is keen to explore opportunities that align with these national priorities.A: My vision is clear: BD is here to stay and to lead. We are not just another healthcare technology provider; we are a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's healthcare role extends beyond revenue growth—we are committed to delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and the government. BD will continue to support innovation, drive medical education, and contribute to the national healthcare transformation through strategic partnerships and advanced solutions.A major part of this commitment is our focus on our Signature Programmes™, which align with the Kingdom's healthcare objectives. Through our investments, workforce development, and collaborations, BD is reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare enabler in the Kingdom.A: I want to emphasize that BD's mission in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. We are here not just to provide medical devices but to transform the healthcare experience, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals is at the heart of BD, and we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies and best practices that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Our training center, our partnerships, and our digital health initiatives all reflect BD's dedication to making a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
BD Saudi Arabia charts a value-driven healthcare future under new leadership
Becton Dickinson (BD) in Saudi Arabia today announced its reinforced commitment to the Kingdom's ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed Country General Manager, Omar Malabarey. With a distinguished career spanning public and private healthcare sectors, Malabarey brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to drive BD's impact on the local healthcare ecosystem. Malabarey's appointment marks a pivotal moment for BD Saudi Arabia, as he aims to leverage BD's global legacy of innovation in medical technology to foster value-based healthcare solutions, cultivate strategic partnerships, and champion local talent development, all in strong alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. "Joining BD is a natural continuation of my mission to elevate the healthcare ecosystem in the Kingdom," said Omar Malabarey. "My focus is on creating a long-lasting impact by delivering solutions that not only enhance patient care and safety but also contribute to the efficiency and modernization of the entire healthcare system." Internally, Malabarey is dedicated to cultivating a collaborative and empowering workplace culture, positioning BD as an employer of choice for Saudi talent. Externally, his priority is to elevate BD's corporate identity beyond its well-recognized products, establishing the company as a trusted partner in healthcare transformation. Central to BD's strategic approach are its Signature Programmes™️, which address three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to empower hospitals across Saudi Arabia to implement best practices in infection control, optimize workflows, and ultimately improve outcomes for both patients and medical professionals. Highlighting Saudi Arabia as a strategic and pioneering market in digital healthcare, Malabarey emphasized the Kingdom's rapid progress towards a modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare model under Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. BD is actively contributing to this shift with smart medication management systems, pharmacy robotics, and digital health solutions designed to minimize human error and maximize care has significantly expanded its local presence, now employing approximately 170 professionals and operating through seven strategic distributors. Reinforcing its commitment to local development, BD recently launched the state-of-the-art BD Training Center in Riyadh in April, providing hands-on clinical and technical training for healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers. The company also hosted its inaugural BD Healthcare Summit, convening key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI, automation, and workforce development in collaborations underpin BD's commitment to the Kingdom. These include partnerships with STC and Mobily to explore digital health innovations, a pioneering collaboration with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia, and a partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association aimed at developing clinical competencies and supporting the healthcare ahead, Malabarey envisions BD as a long-term healthcare enabler in Saudi Arabia, deeply invested not just in growth but in meaningful impact. From supporting local workforce initiatives to driving best practices in clinical care, BD is poised to be a central player in the country's ongoing healthcare transformation.
