Using Telemedicine in Saudi Arabia's Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak to be a pandemic On March 11, 2020, citing more than 720,000 cases that had been reported in more than 203 countries by March 31, 2020. The response plan included early diagnosis, patient isolation, symptomatic monitoring of contacts, suspected and confirmed cases, and public health quarantine. The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia is under pressure to create and enhance healthcare services to meet the requirements and expectations of the country's population, especially those who live in rural areas, as a result of the severe problems facing the country's healthcare system. To limit the risk of transmission, telemedicine, particularly video consultations, has been pushed and ramped up. Telemedicine can enhance healthcare delivery in the absence of in-person visits under the present pandemic scenario. In the present study, we assess the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia's Healthcare System.