Riyadh, February 04, 2024, The Ministry of Health recently hosted the Saudi-Canadian Roundtable Meeting at its headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together 19 Canadian companies specializing in healthcare and medical services. The collaborative gathering also included key entities such as the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and the National Center for Privatization (NCP).
The primary focus of the meeting was to spotlight investment opportunities for Canadian healthcare companies within the Kingdom. The aim is to capitalize on the conducive environment for fostering strong business partnerships in the healthcare sector between Saudi Arabia and Canada. Active participation in the investment dialogue was observed from the Canadian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Jean-Philippe Linteau, along with several Canadian companies specializing in digital health, virtual medicine, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
On the Saudi side, notable attendees included Abdullah Al-Issa, Vice Minister for E-Health at the Ministry of Health; Rakan Bin Dohaish, Assistant Vice Minister for International Collaborations; and representatives from various entities, including the Health Holding Company, National Platform for Health and Insurance Exchange Services (NPHIES), CBAHI, SFDA, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), and the Ministry of Investment.
The meeting resulted in fruitful outcomes, as Canadian companies expressed substantial interest in investing in Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector. This keen interest aligns seamlessly with the current phase, marked by significant growth in investment opportunities within the Kingdom's healthcare domain.
Furthermore, the long-standing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Canada in medical education has undergone noteworthy expansion, with a particular emphasis on fostering innovation. This development is particularly significant given Canada's leadership in digital health, telehealth services, and artificial intelligence (AI). The collaborative efforts underscore a shared commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and embracing cutting-edge technologies in both nations.
