Riyadh: The Global Health Exhibition continues its activities in Riyadh, following the major announcements on its first day of significant partnerships and investments exceeding $33 billion. The substantial injection of capital reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination in the healthcare sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the exhibition, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health, aligns with Saudi's Vision 2030 and receives strong support from the Health Sector Transformation Program, making it the most prominent national platform for accelerating healthcare sector change in the Kingdom, which maintains its leadership in global health transformation through strategic investment, innovation, and international cooperation.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Health Fahd AlJalajel. The opening ceremony featured a virtual address by Saudi Ambassador to the United States Reema bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz.
In his opening remarks, the health minister affirmed that Vision 2030 has brought about a radical transformation in the health sector. "Vision 2030 has given us ample opportunity to reshape the healthcare landscape. We have shifted from treating illness after it occurs to preventing it before it happens, and from investing in pain to investing in hope," he stated.
The minister highlighted the Kingdom's progress in public-health metrics. The Kingdom is nearing its goal of raising life expectancy to 79.7 years, up from 74 years in 2016, through high-quality healthcare interventions. These included early screening for nearly 3 million newborns and 6 million premarital screenings. Deaths from chronic diseases have been reduced by 38%, and traffic fatalities have seen a decrease of more than 50%. Furthermore, 70% of cancer cases are now detected in their early stages.
"This is the essence of Vision 2030, this is our healthcare transformation, and this is the unified approach of the government," Al-Jalajel said.
The exhibition's activities are scheduled to continue until October 30. The second day's agenda focused heavily on innovations and digital transformations in the health sector, with specialized sessions planned on smart hospitals, the use of artificial intelligence in obstetrics, and the digital transformation of the patient's journey.