Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system – the network of tissues, vessels, and organs that comprise part of the body’s immune defenses – is on the rise in Saudi Arabia. An often debilitating and sometimes fatal condition, lymphoma is characterised by lymphocytes, the body's essential white blood cells that fight infection, becoming abnormal and multiplying uncontrollably.   

Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two primary forms of lymphoma. A 2019 study published in the Saudi Medical Journal confirmed that the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Kingdom has risen over the past two decades, with the disease’s increasing prevalence presenting as a pressing public health issue and making the raising of awareness of its symptoms and features an important endeavour.  

Survival rates for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and the type of treatment administered. For Hodgkin lymphoma, the five-year relative survival rate for all patients is approximately 89 per cent1, a significant improvement compared to previous decades. Survival rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma vary based on the subtype. According to data from 2012 to 2018, the five-year relative survival rate for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is approximately 65 per cent, while follicular lymphoma has a 90 per cent survival rate2. 

Related: CAR T-Cell Therapy operations launched in Saudi Arabia

Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available for patients diagnosed with lymphoma today, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. One of the latest and most promising treatments for lymphoma is cellular therapy, also known as CAR T-cell therapy. This groundbreaking form of immunotherapy involves engineering a person's immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. With CAR T-cell therapy, patients have a new and potentially life-saving treatment option to fight what can be a devastating disease. 

CAR T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking approach that uses genetically modified T-cells taken from the patient's own immune system. In the laboratory, these T-cells are engineered to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can identify and attack specific cancer cells. After their modification, the T-cells are infused back into the patient's bloodstream, where they seek out and destroy cancer cells. This therapy has shown promise in treating relapsed or refractory lymphomas – types of lymphoma that have not responded to other treatments. 

The success of CAR T-cell therapy in treating lymphoma patients depends on several factors, such as the type and stage of the lymphoma and the individual's underlying health. Clinical trials have shown promising results in treating aggressive lymphomas, with response rates ranging from 50 per cent to 80 per cent3. Studies show that patients who respond to this therapy tend to experience long-term remissions, with some remaining disease-free for several years4. The significant response rates and long-term remissions seen in the clinical trials suggest that cell therapy has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of lymphoma.  

Related: A big win over paediatric leukemia: CAR T-cell therapy

With advancing technology and ongoing research, CAR T-cell therapy will likely become an integral part of standard treatment regimens for blood cancers. However, like any new treatment, CAR T-cell therapy carries potential risks and side effects, such as neurological toxicity, cytokine release syndrome (when the body reacts aggressively to the therapy), and prolonged cytopenias (lower than normal blood cell counts). 

Along with a group of distinguished international, regional, and national experts, I attended the 4th International Lymphoma Conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on May 19 and 20 this year. The conference focused on key topics related to Hodgkin lymphoma, aggressive lymphoma, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, T-cell lymphomas, therapy, and the challenges faced by lymphoma patients, such as access to high-quality care. 

Lymphoma patients face several challenges, including limited healthcare resources and infrastructure, especially in areas with a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. A major issue for many is the restricted access to advanced therapeutics, such as stem cell transplants and cellular therapy, while the high cost of treatment is also a significant obstacle, especially for patients who lack adequate health insurance or financial resources. In addition to these physical and financial hurdles, lymphoma patients may also experience psychological and emotional challenges, such as anxiety, depression and uncertainty about their prognosis and treatment outcomes. These difficulties can be particularly challenging for patients facing relapse or a more advanced stage of the disease, making access to comprehensive supportive care and counseling essential for patients and their families. 

Strategic collaborations are among the solutions that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and address the unmet needs of lymphoma patients. Partnerships between healthcare professionals, governments, the private sector, and patient associations are essential for advancing research, developing new treatments, and providing support services for patients and their families. Such collaborations can facilitate greater access to healthcare resources, innovative therapies, and financial assistance programmes, which can help to alleviate the burden of treatment costs for patients. Additionally, partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, which in turn lead to improved patient care and outcomes. Overall, strategic collaboration is an essential step toward improving the lives of lymphoma patients and reducing the impact of this form of cancer. 

It is also crucial to realise the importance of raising awareness to ensure that lymphoma patients have access to high-quality and timely healthcare. Various forms of awareness campaigns targeting different audiences, including patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the public, can significantly improve patient outcomes. It is essential to educate patients about the symptoms, available treatment options, and the possible side effects of the various therapies, as well as for the public to emphasise the importance of screenings for early detection. Prompt diagnosis leads to more treatment options and better chances for successful outcomes.   

Support groups can play a crucial role in improving the health of lymphoma patients. Patient support groups can provide emotional care, practical advice, a sense of community, information, education, and advocacy opportunities for people living with lymphoma. They offer a safe space for patients to share their feelings, fears, and concerns with others who are going through a similar experience. These groups provide practical advice on how to manage treatment side effects, cope with the disease, and navigate the healthcare system. By bringing patients together and providing a community, patient support groups can significantly improve the quality of life for lymphoma patients and their families. 

I cannot overemphasise the significance of addressing the unmet needs of lymphoma patients, particularly in terms of prompt, accessible, and equitable access to care. Progress in research and technology, such as cellular therapy, provides hopeful treatment options. Strategic collaboration among various stakeholders – including healthcare professionals, governments, patient associations, and the private sector – is essential to prioritise patient-centred care, provide education and support services, and tackle systemic obstacles to care. Furthermore, increasing awareness of lymphoma and the significance of early detection, whenever feasible, can save lives and make a significant difference in the quality of life for individuals and their families affected by this challenging disease. 

 

Dr. Mubarak Al Mansour is the Chairman, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City and Associate Professor, Medical Oncology at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.   

 

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Advancing medical science, healthcare while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments and interventions is impossible without clinical trials. However, realising that putting people at the heart of research not only reshapes trials but also enhances the overall experience for trial participants, improves recruitment and retention rates, and leads to more accurate and meaningful results is even as equally fundamental.  

Patient enrolment and retention are major issues that clinical trials run into. It has been identified that 80 per cent of trials have difficulty enrolling patients, and some studies estimate that up to 30 per cent of patients who enrol in a clinical trial will eventually withdraw from the study. 

Participant-centred studies have the potential to enable easier enrolment and retention of participants, lead to tailored therapies, faster innovation, improved decision-making. Chukwunonso Udeh, Managing Partner at Utano CRO, shares: “Endpoints derived from patient-centric studies offer clearer insights, aiding in the customisation of disease therapies. These trials stimulate innovation, accelerate timelines, facilitate decision-making, and impact health policies. Patient-centric approaches optimise research utility, patient education, and collaboration among patients, healthcare providers, and researchers, ultimately advancing medicine and patient welfare.” 

Related: Advanced clinical trials unit sets benchmark for innovative R&D in the UAE

As medical research keeps advancing, the clinical trial industry seems to be committed to enhancing the participant experience. We have heard phrases like "patient convenience" and marketing campaigns focused on "patient-centricity". However, the genuine concern is, are the participants really feeling this impact? 

A review of studies suggests that the major causes of the reason why participants are not likely to participate in a clinical trial include the fear of the unknown, opting for the perceived safety of established treatments, reflecting a preference for familiarity over uncertainty. Another unsettling concern for most participants is the perceived inconvenience of clinical trials. Participants with busy schedules or significant responsibilities may find the additional time, travel, and commitment required difficult. Individuals who are comfortable with their current medical regimen may be put off by the need to change routines, causing them to weigh the potential benefits against the disruptions. Some people have misconceptions about clinical trials, such as fearing that they will be treated as "guinea pigs" or that the trial will be dangerous.  

Participation can also be discouraged by mistrust of medical institutions, a history of ethical violations, or concerns about potential exploitation. In addition, the question of immediate benefit cannot be neglected in clinical trial participation. Participants may be hesitant to enrol if they perceive little personal benefit or unclear benefits from the trial. Clinical trials that do not cover all associated costs can also be financially burdensome, especially for participants with limited resources. 

Related: Decentralised clinical trials are amplifying health equity

As much as these could throw a spanner in the wheel of clinical trial operations. The ultimate objective is to create an enabling environment for participant-centred clinical trials and sustain it due to its necessity. The profound impacts that participant-centred clinical trials bring to the forefront of medical advancement include fostering trust and transparent collaborations between researchers and participants thereby creating a conducive research environment. The inclusion of feedback loops also enables trial design adaptation, fostering innovation and relevance. 

Participant-centred trials are addressing recruitment and retention challenges by tailoring approaches to incorporate potential participants' input. This enhances trial attractiveness, resulting in higher recruitment rates and sustained participant commitment. This model of trial mirrors real-life scenarios, enhancing the applicability of results across diverse patient populations. This authenticity is crucial for assessing the true impact of interventions and making room for reflection on real-world relevance and generalisation. 

Another pain point it addresses is improving the relevance of research questions, outcome measures, and interventions. This uplifts the overall quality of trials, ensuring a robust structure. This helps to optimise trial design and research quality as participant insights yield fresh perspectives. 

Participant-centred clinical trials enhance participant engagement and satisfaction. The active involvement of participants ensures that trial procedures and outcomes are aligned with their preferences, heightening engagement, and satisfaction. This empowers them, fosters ownership, facilitates productive interactions with researchers, and accelerates the overall timeline of clinical research. 

The impact of clinical trials driven by the voices and aspirations of those it aims to serve will not only improve health outcomes and advance medical knowledge but also shape a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. 

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This World Patient Safety Day on September 17 focuses on the theme of engaging patients in the regulation, governance, design and delivery of patient care. The idea is that by involving patients — and their families and caregivers who play a crucial role in the safe delivery of healthcare — as partners in the process, that patients will benefit from greater confidence and better outcomes. 

It is an interesting area of focus and is supported by evidence. In a recent article, research was cited highlighting that more engaged patients tend to have better outcomes and that one study found that patients in engagement programmes increase prescription refills by 36 per cent while reducing overall medical costs by 45 per cent.  

Healthcare providers are responding to patient engagement needs and the opportunities for technology innovation by investing more. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region leads the Middle East with annual investments in healthcare digital infrastructure reportedly set to increase from US$0.5 billion to US$1.2 billion between 2022 and 2024. There is also a thriving regional digital health sector and healthcare startup community supporting innovation and attracting investment in areas such as telehealth and consumer healthtech.  

Keeping patients engaged and safe  

Patient safety is the number one priority in healthcare, but there will always be risk and so there must be a continual process in place to minimise – and ideally eliminate – risk and assure patient safety. As with so many areas of healthcare, technology has an ever-deepening role to play in improving patient safety and supporting healthcare workers (enabling them to spend more time with patients) while enhancing the quality of care.  

Related: How virtual reality and the metaverse can improve patient safety

In a hospital environment, real-time health systems connect healthcare workers to each other and to critical information that underpins better safer patient experience. The most fundamental safety requirement in any hospital is the correct positive identification of the patient at every step along the care pathway, from admission (registration, scheduling) to clinical encounter (specimen taking, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge/visit completion) and post-encounter (referrals and electronic prescribing). 

Industry standards are also moving things in the right direction. Stage 7 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) certification is designed to improve patient safety and measure clinical outcomes, patient engagement and clinician use of electronic medical records (EMR) technology to strengthen organisational performance and health outcomes for patients. It enables hospitals to better track data related to patients, assets and medication identification and ultimately improve operational workflows. 

Findings from a recent Zebra Technologies Global Healthcare Vision Study confirm that real-time data is largely viewed as essential to delivering advanced patient care. Most hospital leaders agree that technology solutions can help improve workflows and reduce medical errors, and hospitals are now investing in location solutions across most use cases, particularly to enhance patient flow and staff operational efficiency. 

Healthcare providers will continue to leverage technology to help reduce preventable errors, strengthen decision support and provide stronger healthcare protocols. More than half of clinicians and decision-makers in the Zebra study agreed that technology could help improve medication tracking, patient throughput and nursing workflows.  

Seventy-eight per cent of clinicians say technology can help prevent and reduce medical errors, while 88 per cent of decision-makers think the same. Digital technology is enabling the collation of data — vital statistics, blood test results, the doctor’s diagnosis — that no longer lie hidden in paper-based folders but can be cross-referenced against hundreds of thousands of outcomes to create tailored treatment programmes. The power of digitally driven treatment plans is huge. Patients are getting the right treatment at the right time but with ever-increasing sophistication.  

 Compliance and telemedicine  

In addition to patient safety, there are two other areas where healthcare providers should prioritise their technology investments. The first is around compliance - digital health regulations will drive tech modernisation for compliance. The World Health Organization’s report on digital health tells us that more than 120 member states have developed eHealth strategies and policies. Unique Device Identification (UDI) and medication serialised marking form an important part of the digital health practice. Both UDI and medication serialised marking provide a digital identifier on medical devices used in patients, such as a pacemaker, and medications given to patients, essentially providing the ability to accurately track and trace a device or medication.   

Related: Accurate clinical documentation of records directly impacts patient safety

The second is around telemedicine, which will continue to grow and gain traction outside the hospital. It has now been proven that virtual care can be quality care. Many countries now allow teleconsultations to be performed by healthcare workers other than doctors. Telehealth has increased the comfort and convenience of care for patients everywhere. People no longer need to attend a hospital or clinic for every appointment, or to get a prescription renewal or specialist referral. Improving patient communication is a top goal, with the growth in telehealth playing an important role.  

The healthcare industry must evolve with today’s digital world. As it responds to technology innovations, healthcare will progress its digital transformation and, in turn, enhance patient care and safety, healthcare worker experience and operations. All good news on this World Patient Safety Day. 

Thomas Duparque is the Healthcare Business Development Manager, EMEA, Zebra Technologies. 

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For every patient consultation, physicians spend nearly two additional hours on Electronic Health Record (EHR) and related admin tasks during their shift. As a result, primary care providers are burdened with paperwork and unable to give patients sufficient care as outlined by clinical practice guidelines. 

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine further highlighted that a primary care physician would need to dedicate 26.7 hours per day for a successful patient journey. 

According to Brian White, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of DoorSpace a stressful healthcare environment inevitably leads to exhaustion, burnout, and attrition. With 14 years of experience in business development and B2B software sales, White has supported organisations in leveraging technology for efficiency and improved customer experiences. His area of expertise demonstrates that technology can lend a helping hand to alleviate the burden on clinicians when it comes to administrative workload. 

At present, the recommended guidelines for clinicians surpass what can be realistically achieved and this has created a challenging situation for the healthcare workforce. Data science could provide a solution to these challenges by analysing information to determine the effectiveness of each guideline. This could empower clinicians and help them prioritise their skills for better patient outcomes. 

Data science for healthcare talent retention 

The availability and retention of clinical talent have an impact on the development and sustainability of healthcare infrastructure in the face of increasing patient demands and complex medical challenges.  

"Qualified and talented healthcare professionals play a vital role in the success and sustainability of healthcare infrastructure globally. As the healthcare sector evolves, the demand for these professionals only intensifies," said Sunil Kumar, CEO, The DataFlow Group. Kumar draws on over 25 years of global management experience across the manufacturing and professional services industries. 

Related: Top 4 challenges of EHR implementation

Kumar further added: “Developing and implementing global competency frameworks is the most effective approach to attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. But it is not just about processes; it is about people. Simplifying the global mobility of skilled professionals through migration and recruitment processes is a key solution to attracting and hiring expatriate healthcare personnel.” 

Streamline operations with data science 

Data science now helps health providers identify areas in healthcare that need attention and intervention to improve patient outcomes.  
 
Analysis of data further aids them in making evidence-based decisions. This not only ensures that their efforts are aligned with effective guidelines, but also encourages regular evaluation and fine-tuning practices for constant improvement.  

“By better streamlining the paperwork process, healthcare organisations can improve operational efficiency, enhance patient care, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Embracing technology-driven solutions is vital for healthcare organisations to stay competitive, deliver high-quality care, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes,” said White. 

Related: Top 3 electronic health record implementation risks and how to manage them

He emphasised: “Doctors are essential resources in any healthcare organisation, and their time is extremely valuable. By streamlining paperwork processes, doctors can be empowered to focus more on patient care, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.” 

Technology can also help save time, reduce errors, and improve accuracy, according to White. “Implementing digital solutions and automating manual processes can minimise human errors in documentation and record-keeping, ultimately enhancing patient safety and reducing the risk of medical errors." 

Data science demonstrates additional benefits. It enhances data security while ensuring sensitive patient information remains secure and compliant. Automated processes further welcome efficiency in cost and resources through reduced manual labour. 

White added: “Digital systems enable seamless communication and collaboration between different departments and healthcare systems. Aggregating this data creates visibility never before available and can uncover insights into ways to improve across almost all departments.” 

Incentives to attract top clinical talent 

According to Kumar, streamlining recruitment processes is crucial to attracting the best talent while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements, including qualification and license assessments and verification procedures. 

“Collaboration and digitisation among healthcare institutions, government bodies, and key stakeholders with organisations that verify medical professionals' credentials are essential to ensure the viability and credibility of key healthcare personnel. Investing in local healthcare talent through education and training programmes benefits governments and organisations to attract healthcare talent,” he added. 

“Incentive and retention programmes, career advancement opportunities, and competitive benefits help promote job stability, reduce staff turnover, and improve patient care. Healthcare-focused events, including job fairs and career networking events, create an invaluable environment for healthcare professionals to connect with organisations and potential employers. These events effectively showcase the numerous advantages of working in the healthcare industry, leading to a noteworthy increase in employment opportunities and staff retention rates,” he said. 

 

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Back to Technology

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery with laser technology is garnering attention as a groundbreaking advancement in orthopaedic care. With its array of benefits for patients and surgeons alike, this cutting-edge approach is transforming the landscape of knee surgeries.

In an interview, Dr. Anush Rao, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aster Clinic Umm Al Quwain, emphasised the significance of non-invasive treatments for early stages of knee osteoarthritis.

He said that conservative measures encompass lifestyle modifications, weight reduction, and targeted muscle strengthening exercises, including hamstring and quadriceps. “The next step in non-invasive treatment includes options such as oral supplements, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)/stem cell therapy, viscosupplement injections, and steroid injections into the knee joint,” he said.

Dr. Anush Rao, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, Aster Clinic Umm Al Quwain

He added that one of the key advantages of robotic knee surgery with laser technology lies in its speedy post-operative recovery. “The minimally invasive nature of the procedure involves minimal tissue handling, leading to less post-operative pain. Remarkably, patients can often walk immediately after the surgery and are typically discharged within two to three days. This accelerated recovery not only improves patient satisfaction but also eases the burden on hospital resources by freeing up much-needed beds,” he explained.

Related: Growing number of patients benefit from robotic-assisted surgery in UAE

Another benefit of robotic guided knee replacement is that it is significantly faster than conventional methods. “With the assistance of robotic devices, surgeons can conduct accurate preoperative planning and receive real-time on-screen information on the patient’s knee anatomy and kinematics during the surgery. This increased efficiency has reduced the overall surgery duration by approximately 15 minutes, enhancing the patient's experience,” stated Dr. Rao.

Additionally, the incorporation of robotic devices in knee replacement surgery has multiple benefits that considerably reduce the strain on operating surgeons. Dr. Rao said: “The robots provide live on-screen information on the patient’s knee anatomy and kinematics, leading to a high level of accuracy with minimal surgical errors.”

The procedure’s precise nature contributes to a smaller surgical scar length, minimal tissue dissection, and reduced blood loss. These factors, combined with accurate bone cuts, knee

deformity correction, and optimal implant positioning, contribute to a lower likelihood of nerve injury, iatrogenic fractures, and infections, ultimately leading to less revision surgery.

Related: Orthopedic implants play a vital part in contemporary medicine

Robotic-assisted knee surgery with laser technology is a versatile approach that can effectively treat various knee conditions, such as severe osteoarthritis of the knee with deformities; severe osteoarthritis with ligamentous instability, previously failed total knee surgeries due to improper implant positioning or infection; revision total knee arthroplasties with or without bone loss as well as secondary osteoarthritis due to previous injuries.

According to the expert, robotic-assisted knee surgery with laser technology heralds a new era in orthopaedic care.

“With its non-invasive nature, reduced recovery time, enhanced surgical precision, and improved patient outcomes, this innovative approach is poised to revolutionise knee surgeries, providing patients with a higher quality of life and faster return to mobility,” he added.

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Back to Technology

As the largest group of healthcare professionals, nurses form the backbone of the healthcare system, working as integral members of the multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated care, education, and advocacy for patients. Nurses both create and consume large amounts of patient information. They typically spend more time with patients than other care providers, thus playing a vital role in bridging communication between patients and the wider medical team. In a region where care is often fragmented, healthcare technology and interoperability between providers can improve communication between health professionals, enhance the scope of nurses and allow providers to collectively deliver more efficient, effective, and safer care to patients.

Related: Invisible to invaluable: Resolving challenges faced by nurses

Malaffi (Arabic for ‘my file’) is the first Health Information Exchange (HIE) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, that safely and securely connects all public and private healthcare providers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Established in 2018 as a public-private partnership with the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, the healthcare regulator in the Emirate, the HIE enables meaningful, real-time exchange of important patient medical information between healthcare providers, creating a centralised database of unique patient records. 

As of August 2023, the Malaffi platform in Abu Dhabi connects nearly 2,700 private and public facilities through 84 different EMRs, and stores over 1.9 billion unique clinical records for over 7 million unique patients. Through common data standards and protocols such as HL7 and FHIR, Malaffi enables connected EMRs to share data, including demographics, allergies, laboratory results, diagnosis, procedures, vital signs, clinical documents, diagnostic tests, radiology reports and images and patient appointments.

When the HIE is embedded in the EMRs of the providers, clinicians can instantly access their patients’ longitudinal files, facilitating the making of better-informed and more efficient clinical decisions. This enhances coordination of care, allows for the reduction of unnecessary duplication of tests and procedures, and reduces medical errors and readmissions, which undoubtedly enhances patient safety, experience and outcomes.

“The HIE allows us to focus on treating our complex paediatric patients rather than spending time on information gathering,” says a paediatric nurse from Kanad Hospital. “By providing access to the patient’s medical history and recent results, Malaffi helps reduce the number of questions we ask the parents of patients, who are often under stress while reducing the need to duplicate tests on unwell children.”

Throughout the pandemic, the HIE was integral in the response and management of COVID-19 patients across Abu Dhabi. This allowed frontline clinicians access to real-time test results and patient medical history to inform their necessary first-response decisions, such as isolation or hospitalisation. An emergency care nurse from Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital said, “Malaffi helped immensely throughout the pandemic. When patients arrived at Emergency having done a PCR at another facility, through the HIE we were able to find the results and provide fast, efficient, isolated care to COVID-19 positive patients while maintaining the safety of staff and other patients.”

Related: How technology can support the well-being of nurses and patients alike

Real-time access to centralised patient information supports clinicians to improve care coordination and transition of care. “When patients are transferred to our long-term care facility, quite often the patient referral is missing clinical information,” said a nurse from NMC Provita. “Through the HIE, we are able to see the patient’s full medical history, including current and previous medications, allergy lists and recent test results, allowing us to maintain continuity of care.”

Nurses are transforming the future landscape of healthcare by maximising the benefits of health technology to ensure that patients receive appropriate, high-quality, and compassionate care. The promise of broad interoperability highlights the importance of implementing the right digital platforms that respect the changing demands of contemporary nursing. Available to over 22,000 nurses across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Malaffi is accessed by over 30% of nurses monthly, which compares favourably to global averages. As digital health technology continues to advance, we hope to see the scope of nurses continue to expand into roles that embrace the value of interoperability mediums such as Malaffi, to facilitate more informed clinical decisions and the delivery of efficient, high-quality patient care.

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Back to Management

Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps towards enhancing the future of its healthcare sector, especially with Saudi Vision 2030’s Health Sector Transformation Program aiming to restructure the region’s healthcare ecosystem.  

A comprehensive review of published literature in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal sheds light on key areas for enhancement, including cost reduction, workforce capacity building, increased financing, infrastructure improvement, and meeting growing demands. The review also highlights challenges such as safety and quality of services, equitable access, information system effectiveness, referral system issues, and optimal resource utilisation. 

To meet these growing healthcare demands, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia and other government bodies have been working towards creating robust public-private partnerships (PPP) frameworks and initiatives to encourage private sector participation in the healthcare sector.  

Related: Saudi Arabia marks progress in accessible healthcare

A PPP involves collaboration between a public sector authority and a private sector entity to jointly deliver public services, share risks, and allocate resources efficiently. PPPs can play a crucial role in developing healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, and specialised treatment centres. Private sector partners often bring in funding, design expertise, construction capabilities, and operational know-how. This allows the government to expand healthcare facilities without bearing the entire financial burden. 

For example, in June this year, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia awarded one of the Kingdom’s first PPPs in the healthcare sector to Altakassusi Alliance Medical following an open tender. The project will help deliver better radiology and imaging services to over one million beneficiaries across seven hospitals. It will also offer the country’s first collaborative network to support staff across each hospital, enhancing the quality of care provided in more remote parts of the Kingdom. Altakassusi Alliance Medical, a leader in regional diagnostic imaging, is a joint venture between Alliance Medical Group, one of Europe's leading independent providers of imaging services; Nexus Gulf Healthcare; and Saudi’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Holding. 

Such collaborative endeavours can also lead to knowledge and skill transfer, benefitting the local healthcare workforce. Training programmes and knowledge exchange between public and private entities can contribute to the professional development of healthcare personnel. 

Saudi Arabia sets strong foundation for growth 

Below, we highlight several Saudi government initiatives that aim to transform healthcare in the Kingdom:  

• The Council of Ministers in Saudi Arabia approved the Private Sector Participation (PSP) Law in March 2021. This is a monumental move to overcome the prevailing resistance toward private entities participating in the Saudi healthcare system on a large scale. Private companies often bring streamlined processes, modern technologies, and management techniques that can lead to better resource allocation and improved patient outcomes.  
• The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) has set up several primary healthcare centres to provide essential and preventative care to older people and the general population. In this regard, they have established health clusters in different provinces working to identify disease markers early on. While these clusters will be responsible for providing medical services, MOH will continue monitoring them and legislating new rules. In a PPP arrangement, sharing risks incentivises both parties to work collaboratively to ensure the project's success. 
• MOH is betting increasingly on the usage of telehealth and digital solutions. This is done to help people access medical care from remote locations without travelling long distances. At the same time, this could allow hospitals to make administrative decisions autonomously and quickly. PPPs can play a crucial role here and lead to the creation of new healthcare service models that combine public funding and private sector innovation. 
• The MOH is also working on reducing the country's healthcare dependence on foreign workers. More than 70 per cent of physicians employed by the government healthcare system currently are of foreign origin. However, these figures are soon likely to change with the expanding recruitment of homegrown doctors. This should elevate culturally aware care to Saudi citizens. 

Overcoming industry challenges in Saudi Arabia 

Despite these positive measures, the Saudi National Transformation Program (NTP) identifies some challenges associated with privatisation, primarily related to preparation and execution, requiring more attention. However, these issues can be resolved by leveraging modern healthcare automation tools to improve communication and micro-level implementation. 

Related: Strategies to protect Saudi Arabia healthcare from cyberattacks

Additionally, establishing a clear and supportive regulatory framework is essential for the success of healthcare PPPs. Regulations should cover aspects such as pricing mechanisms, quality standards, dispute resolution, and risk-sharing arrangements. A transparent and predictable regulatory environment can attract private sector investment. 

It is also important to remember that healthcare needs evolve over time due to demographic changes. Therefore, PPPs must be adaptable to these changing circumstances to remain relevant and effective. 

Some other challenges revolve around affordability and accessibility, ensuring equitable distribution of services, and potential conflicts of interest between public health goals and private sector profit motives. Careful planning and robust oversight are essential to address these challenges. 

Saudi Arabia’s promising future in healthcare 

Looking ahead, the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia appears promising. Increased private sector involvement will lead to the establishment more clinics and hospitals throughout the Kingdom, ensuring accessible and convenient healthcare services. Furthermore, the growing implementation of healthcare automation tools will enhance the tracking, monitoring, and recording of various infections and diseases. 

While the Saudi Vision 2030 may need more in terms of budget, performance, and conceptualisation, a technology-oriented approach and joining forces with private entities can transform and elevate healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia. 

References available on request. 

To learn more about the latest developments in Saudi Arabia's healthcare industry, attend the Global Health Exhibition taking place from 29-31 October at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). Click here to know more.

Also, join industry experts in learning more about the latest trends in Saudi Arabia's healthcare industry by registering for the webinar "How innovation and tech are fuelling investment in Saudi Arabia's healthcare market."

Back to Management

Destination diversity in medical tourism plays a pivotal role in shaping the global healthcare landscape and forming a platform that informs the decisions that propel the travel resolution of medical tourists across oceans and continents to other continents in search of cure, well-being, and overall improved health outcomes.

It is interesting to note that according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), over 900 million tourists travelled abroad in 2022, more than double the number from 2021 but still 37 per cent less than in 2019. In 2022, international travel returned to its pre-pandemic levels in 63 per cent of the countries in Europe and the Middle East. Among the many different forms of tourism, medical tourism is one of the major global markets that has seen growth in recent years. Each medical tourist brings in three times as much money as a regular tourist does.

Related: Medical travel: the latest trends and hotspots revealed

Destination diversity in medical tourism highlights the wide range of options medical tourists have when deciding where to receive procedures or treatments. Different countries might provide varying degrees of medical knowledge, technological advancements, cultural compatibility, language assistance, and overall healthcare experiences. Patients can look over various options and choose a location that best suits their medical requirements, preferences, and budget.

Based on studies and surveys, major medical tourism destinations have been identified to be Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, the US, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and Turkey.

Numerous factors that affect patients' decisions about where to receive medical care when seeking treatment abroad help to shape the diversity of destinations in medical tourism. Patients favour nations with accredited hospitals, seasoned professionals, and state-of-the-art technology, which plays a major role in the quality of medical facilities and healthcare services.

Specialisation and proficiency in particular medical treatments draw patients seeking world-class care. For example, bone marrow transplants, bariatric and obesity surgery, eye surgery, cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, gynaecological issues, and hip grafting and replacement surgery are some of the most common procedures for which people travel to India.

Patients weigh the costs of treatments, travel, and overall healthcare expenses, with affordability being a key factor. Another area for consideration is the language barrier, as it can impact the choice of destination. Patients are more likely to choose a country where they can easily communicate with healthcare providers and understand the treatment process, medical instructions, and post-operative care.

The ease of travel to a particular destination is essential in medical tourism. Good air connectivity, visa processes, and travel infrastructure can significantly influence the choice of a medical tourism destination.

Related: UAE positions itself as a progressive, world-class medical hub

Medical tourists prefer countries that offer a secure and stable environment for travel and healthcare. This makes a case for the importance of safety and political stability in the destination country. Positive reviews and reputation are also influential, as patients are drawn to destinations with a favourable track record in medical tourism. Moreover, a robust legal and regulatory environment boosts destination attractiveness, as patients seek countries with clear laws and protections for their rights as medical tourists.

Lastly, the presence of medical insurance coverage for international treatments and bilateral agreements between countries can sway medical tourists' destination decisions. Knowing that their healthcare expenses may be partially or fully covered abroad offers reassurance and convenience, making certain destinations more attractive and accessible for seeking medical treatments.

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Postpartum depression (PPD), a formidable mental health challenge affecting numerous new mothers, has gained renewed attention with the recent approval of a groundbreaking treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This approval not only sheds light on the significance of PPD but also highlights the evolving landscape of mental healthcare for new mothers. PPD, categorised as a form of major depressive disorder (MDD), typically emerges within six weeks to six months following childbirth.

UAE-based specialist psychiatrist Dr. Namdev Chawan underscores the gravity of PPD, stating that it is a severe mental health issue affecting three to six per cent of women, as outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

The constellation of symptoms linked with PPD mirrors those of MDD and encompasses a range of distressing experiences. These include a persistent depressed mood, a diminished sense of pleasure or interest in activities, disturbances in sleep and appetite, pervasive fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished concentration, irritability, and even thoughts of suicide.

Related: Top ER strategies for mental health emergencies

In addition to these well-documented symptoms, individuals grappling with PPD might also encounter episodes of frequent crying, heightened anxiety or panic attacks, unexplained physical aches, sudden intense mood swings, and even negative emotions directed at the infant. Dr. Chawan adds: “PPD is one of the most common and disabling complications of childbearing, often underdiagnosed and undertreated.”

Over time, a range of psychosocial and pharmacological interventions have been implemented in the pursuit of alleviating PPD's impact. However, the journey to effectively addressing PPD has been fraught with challenges. A lack of awareness often leads to women and their caregivers failing to seek the necessary help. Moreover, concerns about the safety of medications, especially when breastfeeding, have cast a shadow over their feasibility as viable treatment options.

Related: What global healthcare systems can learn from Denmark's postpartum care plan

The recent milestone achieved with the FDA’s approval of zuranolone, an oral neuroactive steroid, represents a significant breakthrough in the realm of PPD treatment. This novel medication acts as a γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor-positive allosteric modulator and is administered orally. Notably, zuranolone stands apart due to its simplified dosing regimen, which entails taking the medication once a day for a span of two weeks.

Dr. Namdev Chawan, Specialist Psychiatrist, Aster Clinic Al Qusais

Dr. Chawan highlights the potential impact, noting, “The simplicity of zuranolone’s dosing schedule may enhance patient compliance and foster more effective and timely PPD management.”

While the FDA’s approval of zuranolone is indeed a pivotal moment, Dr. Chawan underscores the need for caution and further research. He emphasises that additional clinical studies are imperative to validate the drug’s efficacy and safety profile. Importantly, a black box warning has been associated with the medication due to potential driving impairment linked to its central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects.

The expert also adds that the FDA’s green light for zuranolone heralds a promising era in the care and management of women confronting PPD.

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