Saudi health ministry to convert hospitals into public companies

Saudi Arabia’s ministry of health said it will convert public hospitals and medical centers into state-owned companies, which will then compete with one another on the basis of quality, efficiency, productivity, reducing wastage, speedy decision-making and decentralization.

In a statement, the ministry said it will focus on a supervisory and organizational role, and will no longer provide medical services.

This came after Saudi cabinet approved on Sunday to establish a state-run holding company with five subsidiaries owned by ministry of health in transitional period.

Also, a comprehensive health insurance program for citizens, based on acquiring healthcare services, was also approved.