RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health’s annual Health Sector Transformation Program in a report for 2023 said that average life expectancy in the Kingdom has risen to 77.6 years.
According to the Saudi Gazette, the report highlighted significant achievements that align with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.
The report said a notable increase is attributed to a series of health initiatives, including the adoption of health promotion policies across all aspects of life, reduction of salt in foods, calorie disclosure, the promotion of walking culture and the elimination of trans fats, along with efforts to boost healthcare services and strengthen health risk prevention.
Among the report’s major accomplishments is an increase in patient satisfaction with hospital inpatient services from 82.41 percent in 2019 to 87.45 percent, and an increase in the number of qualified nursing staff per 100,000 population from 581.6 in 2019 to 733.
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Additionally, the coverage of basic healthcare services in residential areas, including remote regions, has reached 96.41 percent.
The report also highlights several strategic steps and international commendations contributing to the objectives of the program to enhance service quality and efficiency, improving healthcare access and promoting health safety and prevention measures.
Notable milestones in 2023 include the approval by the Council of Ministers to set up the National Health Research Institute, and the completion of the first phase of the institutional transformation initiative for the Ministry of Health.
