Saudi Arabia says healthcare to remain free after privatisation

The Ministry of Health in Riyadh announced on Wednesday that Saudi citizens will continue to receive free healthcare despite a programme which will see the health sector move into private hands.

“The privatisation of the health sector has important foundations that cannot be changed, such as free healthcare for citizens and ensuring service quality and efficiency,” said the ministry.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia currently receive free healthcare in public hospitals. On Tuesday, the Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs approved a plan to implement the Privatisation Programme to sell government assets for $9.3-$10.7 billion by 2020.

The health sector is one of ten to be privatised as part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims at the diversification of the country’s sources of revenue.

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