Healthcare Organizations In Saudi Arabia ✓ Solved

Healthcare Organizations In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system has tremendously developed over the past 20 years, as evidenced by numerous healthcare facilities spread across various parts of the Kingdom. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health provides more than 60 percent of healthcare services with the rest shared among government agencies as well as the private sector (Almaki, Fitzgerald & Clark, 2011). According to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (2009), in 1970, the country had 74 healthcare facilities with around 9,000 beds. By 2005, the country had 350 healthcare facilities with at least 48,000 beds, with the Ministry of Health operating 62 percent of the hospitals and another 53 percent of the clinics.

The government agencies like the Ministry of Health (which comprises the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Ministry of Defence and Aviation), Ministry of Interior, and private entities operate the remaining facilities. This paper explores the role of different health organizations in the provision of quality health care in Saudi Arabia.

Overview of Healthcare Organizations in Saudi Arabia

1. King Saud Medical City

King Saud Medical City, established in October 1956 in Riyadh, has grown to accommodate more than 1,400 beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Its emergency department is the busiest in the Kingdom, handling various emergency and accident cases (KSMC, 2018).

Mission: To provide the highest standard of recreational activities as well as accommodations for its residents and guests.

Financing: Public ownership by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health.

Staffing: The facility is staffed with visionary leaders and highly qualified medical and administrative professionals committed to making it a leading tertiary care referral center.

Areas of Treatment: The facility provides emergency care, maternity and children's services, outpatient clinics, surgery, and has specialized centers for kidney and dental care.

Impact on Healthcare Structure: As a Ministry of Health facility, it plays an important role in providing free medical services for all Saudi Arabians and contributes to preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services (Albejaidi, 2010).

2. King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh

Opened in May 1983, King Abdulaziz Medical City has 1,501 beds and provides healthcare services to the National Guard and their dependents. It continues to grow to meet the demands of a rapidly increasing patient population.

Mission: To maintain and provide high standard patient care in primary healthcare while ensuring an optimal working environment.

Financing: Public ownership by the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

Areas of Treatment: The facility specializes in trauma care, ambulatory services, primary healthcare, and surgical and critical care, including an endoscopy unit and neurosurgical services.

Impact on Healthcare Structure: While it offers specialized care services, it primarily serves National Guard members and their dependents, which limits its availability to the broader public (Albejaidi, 2010).

3. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre

Founded in 1970 and transitioned to governmental administration in 1985, King Faisal Specialist Hospital is a significant tertiary medical and research facility employing over 7,000 staff.

Mission: To provide highly specialized healthcare in both educational and research settings, maintaining facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Areas of Treatment: The hospital covers a comprehensive range of specialties, including oncology, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency surgeries, and cardiology.

Impact on Healthcare Structure: It plays a major role in providing specialist primary healthcare to citizens, ensuring a continuum of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services (Albejaidi, 2010).

4. Security Forces Hospital

One of the oldest healthcare facilities in the Kingdom, the Security Forces Hospital employs more than 500 beds. It provides healthcare services to members of the Ministry of Interior, including police officers and their families.

Mission: To deliver safe and high-quality health services through effective resource management and teamwork.

Financing: Public ownership by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior.

Areas of Treatment: Specializes in cardiology, pediatrics, gynecology, oncology, and other branches critical to responsive healthcare.

Impact on Healthcare Structure: Although it can provide specialized services to the general public in extreme cases, it mainly caters to the Ministry of Interior personnel (Albejaidi, 2010).

5. Prince Sultan Military Medical City

Previously known as Riyadh Military Hospital, this facility opened in 1978 and has grown to serve more than 1,200 patients. It is dedicated to the healthcare of armed forces members and their families.

Mission: To provide the highest quality healthcare service while ensuring continuous improvement in management and quality standards.

Areas of Treatment: It covers a wide array of specialties, including vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, oncology, and more.

Impact on Healthcare Structure: Despite its advanced capabilities, it primarily services military personnel and their families, thereby limiting access for civilians in need (Albejaidi, 2010).

Conclusion

This paper explored the structure of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system, highlighting the significant role of various healthcare organizations in providing quality medical services. The Ministry of Health, along with other government agencies such as the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Ministry of Interior, plays a crucial role in the healthcare landscape. Each organization has its specialties and limitations, influencing the access and quality of healthcare services offered to the public.

References

  • Albejaidi, F. M. (2010). Healthcare system in Saudi Arabia: An analysis of structure, total quality management and future challenges. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 2(2).
  • Al Nasser, H. (2017). Assessment of telemedicine by physicians at Prince Sultan Military Medical City. Journal of Nutrition and Human Health, 1(1), 1-10.
  • Almaki, M., Fitzgerald, G. R., & Clark, M. (2011). Health care system in Saudi Arabia: An overview. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 17(10).
  • King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. (2018). Retrieved from [source].
  • Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health. (2009). Health statistical yearbook. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Government Printing Press.
  • National Guard Health Affairs. (2018). King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Retrieved from [source].
  • Prince Sultan Military Medical City. (2018). Retrieved from [source].
  • Relox, A. P. (2013, October 13). Security Forces Hospital upgraded. Arab News. Retrieved from [source].
  • Vital Health News. (2011, June 06). Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia implements vital for diabetes. Retrieved from [source].
  • Ministry of Defence and Aviation. (2018). Retrieved from [source].

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