Saudi Healthcare System HHA 601

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the Saudi Arabian healthcare system, its organizational structure, financing mechanisms, and service delivery models. Students will explore the historical development of healthcare in the Kingdom, tracing its evolution from early government-led initiatives to the contemporary multi-sector system comprising the Ministry of Health, other governmental providers, and the private sector. The course establishes foundational knowledge of how healthcare is organized, regulated, and financed within the Saudi context, enabling students to understand the interplay between policy decisions and population health outcomes.

A central focus of this course is the ongoing transformation of the Saudi healthcare system under Vision 2030, the ambitious national reform agenda aimed at diversifying the economy and enhancing public services. Students will critically analyze the strategic objectives driving healthcare reform, including the corporatization of government hospitals, the expansion of private sector participation, and the shift toward value-based care models. The course examines how these reforms aim to improve efficiency, quality, and accessibility while reducing reliance on government funding and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for future generations.

Particular attention is given to the establishment of health clusters under the Saudi Health Holding Company, which represents a fundamental restructuring of healthcare governance and delivery. Students will study how these integrated networks organize primary, secondary, and tertiary services within defined geographic areas, promoting coordinated care and population health management. Upon completion, students will possess the analytical skills necessary to evaluate healthcare policy, understand system-level change, and contribute meaningfully to the continued advancement of healthcare in Saudi Arabia