Health Sector Transformation Program Reports Surge in Life Expectancy in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: In a remarkable achievement, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a notable increase in average life expectancy, reaching 77.6 years in 2023 compared to 74 years in 2016. This positive development is attributed to a comprehensive set of efforts and contributions, with a particular focus on the adoption of health promotion principles integrated into all policies and facets of daily life.
The revelation comes from a report released by the Health Sector Transformation Program, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, highlighting the significant strides made in the health transformation process and major accomplishments within the health sector during the year 2023.
The report underscores the pivotal role of policies and decisions implemented by Saudi Arabia to enhance public health. Initiatives such as the promotion of walking, reduction of salt in foods, calorie disclosure, and other health-focused policies have played a vital role. Concurrently, efforts to elevate health services and bolster preventive measures against health risks have significantly contributed to the improved life expectancy.
Notable developments in 2023 include the approval by the Council of Ministers for the establishment of the National Institute for Health Research. Additionally, key initiatives like the launch of health clusters, the National Platform for Health and Insurance Exchange Services (Nphies), and other transformative stages have set the foundation for enhanced healthcare delivery.
The Nphies platform, operating on the Value-Based Healthcare model, has become a central repository for comprehensive, accurate, and secure health data, benefitting both individuals and society at large.
The report highlights the impact of initiatives like the Shifa platform, with over 7,233 cases benefiting—an increase of nearly three percent from the previous year. The Saudi Center for Medical Appointments and Referrals facilitated more than 300,000 successful internal and external referrals, ensuring streamlined access to healthcare services.
Emphasizing the principle of ‘prevention is better than treatment’ and early detection, the report notes that over five million people underwent exploratory obesity screening, resulting in over a million cases of early detection. Additionally, more than one million people underwent exploratory screening for diabetes, with approximately 11,000 early detection cases. Early breast cancer screening involved about 160,000 women, leading to the detection of 654 cases in their early stages, facilitating prompt treatment.
This collective progress underscores Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to advancing public health, aligning with Vision 2030’s overarching goals of holistic development.
