The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia: How can we best move forward with funding to protect equitable and accessible care for all?

Abstract

The Saudi Arabian healthcare system is currently undergoing a process of reform. While it previously adopted a universal access approach in which all health care was provided free-of-charge to citizens at the point of care, this has been identified as unsustainable into the future. The shift towards an ageing population and the increasing burden of chronic disease, along with increasing use of technology and development of expensive treatments, mean that health care costs in Saudi Arabia are likely to increase significantly in the near future. Therefore, new ways to fund healthcare have been explored, with the solution proposed being a social insurance model in which employment contributions pay for care. This study seeks to identify the different alternatives which are available to the Saudi government and investigate the outcomes of these alternatives in their respective countries of use. The study examined the private insurance system in the United States of America, the social insurance system in Australia, the United Kingdom's National Health Service, and the Public Private Partnership adopted by Singapore. It would seem that the Singaporean model is associated with the lowest level of government spending to maintain a high quality of patient care. However, further in-depth analysis is required to better understand how this model would apply to the Saudi Arabian context.

Socio‐economic inequalities in diabetes prevalence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…The possible reason for this could be that more highly educated people have a greater awareness of health‐related issues and have better health‐seeking behaviours compared with less well‐educated participants . Despite the fact that the health care services in the KSA are provided free at the point of use, the study found that the prevalence of diabetes was concentrated among poorer people. Poorer people might not be able to afford proper diet and health care services, thereby affecting their access and health‐seeking behaviours such as transport or travel expenses and even absence from work .…”

Investigating the Willingness to Pay for a Contributory National Health Insurance Scheme in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Stated Preference Approach

“…The present situation appears unsustainable in the medium to long term, especially with uncertainties regarding oil prices. The future viability of the current healthcare financing system has therefore been questioned by both academics and international health organizations [ 8 – 15 ].…”

Health literacy in Saudi Arabia: Implications for public health and healthcare access

“…Private health services are expanding, and are envisioned under Vision 2030 to support the public infrastructure . Under Vision 2030, the strategy will be to improve and expand healthcare to meet the needs of the population, while incorporating features and services from the private sector strategically, such as private sector health insurance . While the healthcare system is well‐developed and represents a benefit to the population, those with low HL stand to be at higher risk for lack of access to healthcare and healthcare‐associated morbidity and mortality.…”