The public health care system and primary care services in Saudi Arabia: a system in transition

Abstract

Background: Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the healthcare system by establishing healthcare infrastructures to improve health of the nation. However, it remains to be seen whether it is efficient and effective in providing healthcare services needed. Primary Health Care (PHC), which forms the basis of Universal Coverage, needs to be assessed in terms of performance, challenges and future opportunities to serve a population scattered throughout the vast landscape of the country. Aims: This review aimed to identify challenges within the Saudi healthcare system focusing on PHC services, and to analyse the interrelated factors in order to suggest remedial reforms to further strengthen and improve the healthcare system. Methods: A narrative review for previous studies and governmental reports was undertaken to extract, analyse, synthesize and report the findings. Results: The review findings revealed a number of key areas for improvement in the PHC system. These areas include the scope, structure, infrastructure, finance, increased demand, increased costs, and workforce capacity. Other critical challenges include inequitable access to the services, concern regarding the quality and safety of services, a growing burden of chronic 1 / 14 WHO EMRO | The public healthcare system and primary care services in Saudi Arabia: a system in transi diseases, information system, management and leadership issues, as well as gaps in the current referral system. Conclusion: The Saudi healthcare system needs a comprehensive reform with a focus on PHC.

Physicians Views on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prevention Services by Pharmacists and Potential for Collaboration

“…In Saudi Arabia, NCDs have also taken over from communicable diseases as the major contributor to burden of disease. While the prevalence of NCDs has increased, their prevention and control remains challenging [2,3]; indeed this is the case globally. New strategies and models of care are now requisite to ensure that evidence-based prevention and treatment measures are utilised by health professionals and patients alike, particularly in the context of developing economies.…”

“…Healthcare in Saudi public hospitals and publicly funded primary care centres is state subsidised. In contrast, primary care delivered by private practitioners is not subsidised resulting in underutilization and a substantial burden on the secondary and tertiary healthcare sectors [2,4]. Thus, in the Saudi context, there is an urgent need to strengthen primary healthcare to save costs, promote healthy lifestyles and prevent and manage chronic conditions.…”

Physicians views on cardiovascular disease risk prevention services by pharmacists and potential for collaboration

“…Amongst NCDs, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the dominant cause of death accounting for almost 30% of global mortality [1]. In Saudi Arabia, NCDs have also taken over from communicable diseases as the major contributor to burden of disease [2,3]. While the prevalence of NCDs has increased, their prevention and control remains challenging [2,3]; indeed this is the case globally.…”

“…In Saudi Arabia, NCDs have also taken over from communicable diseases as the major contributor to burden of disease [2,3]. While the prevalence of NCDs has increased, their prevention and control remains challenging [2,3]; indeed this is the case globally. New strategies and models of care are now requisite to ensure that evidence-based prevention and treatment measures are utilised by health professionals and patients alike, particularly in the context of developing economies.…”

“…Healthcare in Saudi public hospitals and publicly funded primary care centres is state subsidised [6]. In contrast, primary care delivered by private practitioners is not subsidised resulting in underutilization and a substantial burden on the secondary and tertiary healthcare sectors [2,7]. Thus, in the Saudi context, there is an urgent need to strengthen primary healthcare to save costs, promote healthy lifestyles and prevent and manage chronic conditions.…”