Latest news with #FahadAbdulrahmanAlJalajel
Korea Herald
17-04-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Saudi Arabia and France Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Strategic Agreements in Biotech and Digital Health
PARIS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the second day of an official visit to France, His Excellency Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held bilateral meetings with senior French officials including Minister for Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families Catherine Vautrin, Minister for Health and Access to Care Yannick Neuder and Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in health innovation, research, workforce development, investment promotion, and supply chain resilience, aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation. A highlight of the visit was the signing of several agreements, witnessed by Their Excellencies, designed to strengthen and expand the health partnership between Saudi Arabia and France. The first between Seha Virtual Hospital and Gustave Roussy aims to enhance cancer care and digital health through AI-powered telemedicine. Another, signed between the Health Holding Company (HHC) and France Biotech, focuses on accelerating the development of the Health Tech and Life Sciences ecosystems in both countries by supporting healthcare startups and promoting the integration of innovative technologies. A third agreement, between the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and Assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris, will strengthen cooperation in Emergency Medical Services, including joint training, knowledge exchange, and best practices in emergency response. His Excellency Minister Aljalajel stated: "I welcome the strengthening of these collaborative ties with France's leading institutions, which reflect our commitment to advancing excellence and innovation across the health sector. These partnerships not only strengthen international ties but also position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a dynamic and innovation-friendly ecosystem - one that is actively attracting global innovators and creating significant opportunities for transformative impact within our evolving healthcare landscape. They represent an important step forward in achieving the goals of Vision 2030, as we continue to transform our health system to deliver world-class care and foster a thriving life sciences sector." The Minister's three-day visit to Paris and Lyon demonstrates the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and France to enhance healthcare services and innovation, while further strengthening their bilateral relationship in support of global health goals.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Saudi's healthcare innovations recognized internationally for their contribution to tackle global health challenges
Wasfaty, a digital platform, received the China Association of Inventions' award. HE Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel: 'Innovation is at the heart of our commitment to reimaging the future of healthcare to increase life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030'. Geneva – The Saudi Ministry of Health received 19 medals and a special award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, recognising the innovative work the Kingdom is doing to drive forward the global health space. The significant milestone came with the unveiling of 19 inventions, designed to address domestic, global, and universal health challenges. Innovations included a wide array of technologies such as AI-powered diagnostic tools, advanced surgical devices, digital health platforms, and next-generation biotechnology solutions, all aimed at improving patient outcomes, increasing access, and advancing preventative care. Of the six gold medal innovations, three also received Jury Recognition for outstanding work. His Excellency Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, emphasized Saudi Arabia's dedication to advancing global healthcare, stating: " Innovation is at the heart of Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation. Through cutting-edge technology, strategic investments, and global collaboration, we are building a healthcare system that is not only advanced but also sustainable, accessible, and impactful. The recognition of our innovative solutions in Geneva underscores our commitment to innovation as a key driver to shape the future of healthcare on a global scale and our ambition to increase life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030.' Mrs Najlaa Kateb, Director of the Saudi Global Innovation Centre, commented: 'I'm honoured that these inventions, which are bringing tangible benefits to millions of patients in Saudi Arabia, have been recognized globally. Saudi Arabia encourages creating thinking, nurtures and supports researchers, entrepreneurs, academics and healthcare practitioners to create solutions to address genuine health problems for our Kingdom and the world.'' Biotechnology was a focus for the Saudi booth, showcasing a variety of innovations including NanoPalm, a gene therapy-based solution to combat accumulative liver toxicity, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials valued at USD 80 million for the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. In the realm of digital transformation, platforms such as Wasfaty are revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Collectively, these systems have already saved the Kingdom over SAR 1.3 billion (USD 347 million) through streamlined e-prescriptions and integrated health records. The Saudi pavilion included active participation from healthcare system entities, including the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), the Council of Health Insurance (Daman), the National Institute for Health Research, and the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO). These entities displayed a series of inventions reflected the Kingdom's commitment to healthcare transformation under Vision 2030. A total of nine silver medals were awarded to a number of health clusters across the Kingdom affiliated with the Saudi Health Holding Company, in addition to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Health Research Institute. The Council of Health Insurance and three other health clusters affiliated with the Saudi Health Holding Company each received four bronze medals. The Ministry's participation in this year's exhibition reinforced Saudi Arabia's position as a rising global player in healthcare innovation. Through scalable technologies, cross-border research partnerships, and strategic investments, the Kingdom is charting a course toward a more resilient and advanced healthcare future. For further information and the full details of innovations being exhibited, contact: media@
Arab News
06-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Reimagining health in Saudi Arabia to inspire the world
As minister of health, I have been immensely proud to witness Saudi Arabia's health transformation that began just under a decade ago. The visionary reforms introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are not only accelerating national well-being but are establishing the Kingdom as a global leader of health innovation, collaboration and value-based care. As we mark World Health Day, I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge this progress and the countless health heroes who have made it possible. The theme of this year's World Health Day is 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' but you could also say that Vision 2030 was the catalyst that turned a hopeful beginning into a healthier future. What was once a vision is being made a reality. Seha Virtual Hospital is an example of this transformation, becoming the world's largest virtual hospital. Recognized by Guinness World Records, Seha connects 224 hospitals and offers 44 specialized services across the Kingdom. It is an innovation that has revolutionized access to healthcare, particularly for those in remote areas, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to top-tier medical care. What began as an ambitious project has become an indispensable part of Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape and a blueprint for others. As powerful as technological innovations are, perhaps even more significant is our fundamental shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Expanded screening programs identify risk factors before they develop into costly diseases. Costly not only in financial terms but also in terms of longevity and quality of life. School-based initiatives teach children lifelong protective habits, while community health workers bring prevention strategies directly to remote regions. For every riyal invested in prevention, we can save approximately four in treatment costs — but the human impact far outweighs the economic benefit. We are investing heavily in health education programs, recognizing that an informed population is the foundation of a healthy society. We are equipping people with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health and well-being. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel From community-based workshops to interactive, artificial intelligence-augmented apps that can predict health issues before they arise, we are equipping people with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health and well-being. We are expanding proactive well-being beyond the walls of a hospital and putting it into the palm of your hand. The adaptability of virtual models of care — and the success of these strategies, which have unlocked more than 50 million consultations in Saudi Arabia — points to their potential global impact. Initiatives such as the G20 Global Innovation Hub for Improving Value in Health are supporting the global shift toward collaborative, value-based care. Headquartered in Riyadh, the hub, now expanding beyond the G20, works to ensure people-focused health reforms not only improve patient outcomes in the Kingdom, but enhance the efficiency and sustainability of health systems globally. Collaboration is central to our mission to reimagine health for the future. Collaboration across government, within the sector, between sectors and beyond borders, underscoring Saudi Arabia's role as a global bridge for health innovation. And our efforts are bearing fruit, including increasing longevity and life expectancy. For instance, Tabuk recently joined a growing list of 15 Saudi locations to earn recognition as a 'Healthy City' from the World Health Organization. Alongside the likes of Jeddah, Madinah and Taif, Tabuk's success reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to improving urban health through parks, walking areas and health-focused community programs. These are examples of the Kingdom's leadership not only in innovating healthcare systems but in weaving well-being into the fabric of our cities; creating models of health sustainability, where smart urban planning, preventive healthcare and community engagement go hand in hand. Saudi Arabia's rising global health leadership embodies this commitment to innovation, collaboration and outcomes. I was pleased to see this on full display at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh last October — the largest ever — which brought together the world's health leaders and innovators and witnessed announcements worth SR50 billion ($13 billion). Or at the Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in Jeddah, which culminated in the adoption of the 'Jeddah Commitments,' a global framework that translates political declarations into concrete multilateral action. As we mark World Health Day, I am proud that Saudi Arabia is shaping a future where world-class health services are accessible, universal and sustainable. And in the years to come, it will continue to lead the way, ensuring that healthy beginnings become hopeful futures for our citizens and people worldwide.
Trade Arabia
06-04-2025
- Health
- Trade Arabia
KSA enhances medical response capabilities for Umrah season
Saudi Arabia recently unveiled plans to strengthen its care capacity with the launch of two dedicated air ambulance helipads within the Holy Mosque in Makkah. This strategic move will enable rapid medical evacuations for critical patients to hospitals across the Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure as the Kingdom prepares to welcome millions of worshippers for the Umrah season. The dedicated helipads will enable the swift transport of patients to specialised hospitals across the Kingdom, alleviating capacity issues and ensuring timely and world-class treatment. Helicopters will operate 24/7, providing continuous support, with some hospitals reachable within minutes. Additional helicopters can be deployed on short notice as needed, further demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing world-class pilgrimage experience. Saudi authorities recently conducted an air ambulance landing drill at the mosque's eastern runaway, testing the readiness and efficiency of medical operations. The drill ensured that patient evacuations can be carried out swiftly and in line with the highest medical standards. The Minister of Health, Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, said: 'Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims by providing around-the-clock air ambulance support. This initiative ensures that all patients can receive the highest level of care at one of the world's holiest and most visited sites. By transferring patients to hospitals based on their specific needs, we continue to improve health outcomes for pilgrims with both scale and speed.' Saudi Arabia recently also inaugurated the Al-Haram Emergency Hospital, a specialist medical facility inside the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The new facility operates with state-of-the-art medical technology and highly trained healthcare professionals. It includes an intensive care unit (ICU), a laboratory department for conducting necessary medical tests, a radiology department as well as an on-site pharmacy.
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen medical response capabilities for the Umrah season
The new 24/7 air ambulance service will alleviate capacity issues A new specialist hospital within the Holy Mosque has opened to provide onsite care 'Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims…we expand services for pilgrims with both scale and speed.' – Saudi Minister of Health HE Fahad AlJalajel Makkah – Saudi Arabia recently unveiled plans to strengthen its care capacity with the launch of two dedicated air ambulance helipads within the Holy Mosque in Makkah. This strategic move will enable rapid medical evacuations for critical patients to hospitals across the Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure as the Kingdom prepares to welcome millions of worshippers for the Umrah season. The dedicated helipads will enable the swift transport of patients to specialized hospitals across the Kingdom, alleviating capacity issues and ensuring timely and world-class treatment. Helicopters will operate 24/7, providing continuous support, with some hospitals reachable within minutes. Additional helicopters can be deployed on short notice as needed, further demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing world-class pilgrimage experience. Saudi authorities recently conducted an air ambulance landing drill at the mosque's eastern runaway, testing the readiness and efficiency of medical operations. The drill ensured that patient evacuations can be carried out swiftly and in line with the highest medical standards. The Minister of Health, His Excellency Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, said: 'Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims by providing around-the-clock air ambulance support. This initiative ensures that all patients can receive the highest level of care at one of the world's holiest and most visited sites. By transferring patients to hospitals based on their specific needs, we continue to improve health outcomes for pilgrims with both scale and speed.' Saudi Arabia recently also inaugurated the Al-Haram Emergency Hospital, a specialist medical facility inside the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The new facility operates with state-of-the-art medical technology and highly trained healthcare professionals. It includes an intensive care unit (ICU), a laboratory department for conducting necessary medical tests, a radiology department as well as an on-site pharmacy. Additionally, the hospital features dedicated areas for critical and rapid emergencies, respiratory emergencies, an emergency observation unit, and an isolation unit for infectious diseases. For further information, please contact: Media@
