Davos, January 23, 2025 – In a significant address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Haitham Al-Ohali, underscored the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to revolutionize healthcare services and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. Al-Ohali highlighted the Kingdom's innovative use of AI in the healthcare sector, which aligns with the nation’s broader strategic objectives aimed at advancing medical innovation and driving forward the transformation of health services.
During the panel discussion, Al-Ohali presented compelling insights into Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress in utilizing AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. A key example of this innovation is the SEHA Virtual Hospital, which, as the largest of its kind in the world, has leveraged AI technologies to provide over 51 million medical consultations. These consultations have facilitated remote diagnosis and treatment for patients across the Kingdom, particularly in remote and underserved areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. The SEHA Virtual Hospital represents a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to harness digital tools to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.
Furthermore, Al-Ohali highlighted the significant impact of AI on treatment efficiency. He reported that AI technologies have contributed to an impressive 85% increase in treatment efficiency, particularly in managing complex diseases such as sickle cell anemia, which is prevalent in the region. The application of AI in healthcare has enabled faster and more accurate diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes and a more streamlined healthcare system. Additionally, Al-Ohali pointed out that 200 hospitals are now integrated into the Saudi Virtual Health Hospital network, ensuring that medical services are more accessible and efficiently distributed across the Kingdom.
One of the most notable achievements of Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven healthcare system, according to Al-Ohali, is the drastic reduction in the time it takes to provide treatment for stroke patients. AI technologies have enabled the Kingdom to reduce the average time to treatment for stroke cases to just 25 minutes, far surpassing the global average of 60 minutes. This improvement in response time has had a direct, life-saving impact on patients, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in urgent medical care.
In addition to these advancements in healthcare technology, Al-Ohali also drew attention to the efforts of the Hevolution Foundation, which has committed $400 million to support research and innovations in healthspan sciences. These efforts are part of the Kingdom’s broader vision to make groundbreaking scientific advancements in the healthcare sector, with the ambitious goal of achieving the equivalent of 15 years of development within a span of just 3 years. The focus on healthspan sciences is aimed at improving the quality of life, extending healthy lifespans, and promoting overall well-being for future generations.
Al-Ohali concluded his remarks by reaffirming Saudi Arabia's steadfast commitment to maintaining its leadership in the healthcare sector. By continuing to leverage the power of AI, the Kingdom aims to not only enhance the quality of life for its citizens but also ensure a sustainable and healthy future for the entire population. These groundbreaking achievements in AI-driven healthcare are a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to innovation, excellence, and improving the health and well-being of its people, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in medical technology and healthcare transformation.
The Kingdom’s ongoing efforts in AI research and healthcare innovations reflect its vision to create a comprehensive, modern, and sustainable healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of individuals while also advancing the nation's broader objectives in science, technology, and healthcare. Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is making significant strides toward achieving its long-term goals in health, well-being, and overall societal progress.