The state-owned Health Holding Company (HHC) recently approved the organizational structures for the health clusters during a board meeting chaired by Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel. The board emphasized the importance of implementing the government’s directives to provide free treatment to all citizens and improve access to quality health services. The meeting also discussed preparations for the second phase of transformation in the Ministry of Health, with three health clusters identified as the first batch to move to HHC. The board emphasized the importance of implementing a modern healthcare model to improve health services and prioritize human health before illness.
The board took several important decisions, including approving regulations for the placement of employees moving from the Ministry of Health to the company. It was agreed that employees’ salaries should not be less than what they were receiving before the transfer, in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 616. Civil service employees will also receive benefits after the transfer, according to the Law of Benefits Exchange. Additionally, self-employed staff will receive complementary benefits after the transfer. The board highlighted the company’s efforts to improve health services and ensure sustainable healthcare for all, positioning the Kingdom on the global healthcare map.
Investing in and maintaining employees was also deemed crucial, with a training program developed to enhance employees’ skills and leadership abilities. This program aims to help employees provide high-quality healthcare in the next phase, focusing on providing all health services to beneficiaries. The first phase of health transformation, completed by the Ministry of Health, included the launch of 20 health clusters by the end of 2023. Various paths of the modern healthcare model were also implemented, leading to improved healthcare services for the 20 million beneficiaries registered in primary healthcare centers across the Kingdom.
The HHC was established in accordance with a decision of the Saudi Council of Ministers to take over healthcare services previously managed by the Ministry of Health. The company focuses on providing medical services and care through health clusters, which are a group of independent companies specializing in different health services. The Ministry of Health will focus on regulating and supervising all public and private health institutions in the country. This strategic move is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance the performance of the Saudi healthcare system, with the HHC concentrating on expanding digital health programs and virtual medical services.
In conclusion, the approval of organizational structures for the health clusters by the Health Holding Company’s Board of Directors marks significant progress in the transformation of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. The focus on providing free treatment to citizens, improving access to quality health services, and implementing a modern healthcare model underscores the commitment to prioritize human health. The decisions taken during the board meeting, such as ensuring employee benefits after transfer and investing in training programs, highlight the importance of maintaining and enhancing the workforce to deliver high-quality healthcare services. The successful completion of the first phase of health transformation and the implementation of various paths in the modern healthcare model have already led to positive outcomes for beneficiaries across the Kingdom. With the HHC assuming responsibility for healthcare services, the overall goal is to enhance the Kingdom’s healthcare system, expand digital health programs, and provide virtual medical services to further improve healthcare access and outcomes for all.
