Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel revealed significant progress achieved by the Kingdom's healthcare system, announcing a 40% decrease in deaths from chronic diseases during his participation in the Saudi Healthcare Model Forum. These figures underscore the success of the health transformation strategies adopted by the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030.

A historic transition towards a health holding company

Al-Jalajel confirmed that the beginning of this year marked the start of the actual transition phase of the healthcare system, with the transfer of three health clusters from the Ministry of Health to operate under the umbrella of the "Health Holding Company." This step represents the transfer of approximately 15% of the total health clusters, involving a substantial workforce exceeding 62,000 employees. The Minister explained that this move aims to enhance institutional capacity and improve performance efficiency, announcing that the timeline targets the completion of the transfer of all health clusters to the Holding Company by the end of 2027.

Standard health indicators reflect quality of life

The Minister of Health reviewed a range of positive indicators that reflect the direct impact of the health sector transformation program on the lives of citizens, including:

• Deaths from chronic diseases decreased by 40%.
• Road accident fatalities have decreased significantly by 60%.
• Deaths from infectious diseases have decreased by 50%.
• Deaths from other injuries decreased by 30%.
• The average life expectancy in the Kingdom has reached 79.7 years.

Al-Jalajel pointed to a qualitative achievement represented in reducing the number of years that a citizen lives in sickness by 3 years, which means longer years of health and wellness, which is at the heart of the goals of the “Quality of Life” program.

The context of health transformation and Vision 2030

This initiative comes within the framework of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to restructure the health sector into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated healthcare system. This transformation focuses on promoting public health and disease prevention, rather than solely on treatment, in addition to facilitating access to healthcare services and improving their quality.

The new healthcare model implemented by the Kingdom is at the heart of this transformation, focusing on the beneficiary and making them the center of service. This enhances the sustainability of healthcare services and increases the efficiency of government spending in this vital sector. The Minister concluded by emphasizing that this achievement is the result of collective effort, and that the system is steadily progressing towards a promising healthcare future for citizens.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the quality of life and strengthening the educational infrastructure in the Kingdom, Roshan Group, a leading national real estate developer and one of the major projects owned by the Public Investment Fund, announced the launch of the Kings College Riyadh project. This ambitious project, developed in partnership with Cognita Middle East, will be the latest in a series of leading educational facilities within the Sidra residential community.

Strategic partnership for world-class education

Under this agreement, Roshen Group will develop and construct the integrated educational facility within the Sidra community, while Cognita Middle East, renowned for its global expertise in managing educational institutions, will operate the school upon completion. This marks a significant milestone for Roshen, as the school represents the largest educational facility the group has developed in the private education sector to date, reflecting its commitment to providing fully integrated residential communities.

The new facility is planned to cover all educational levels, from early childhood to the end of secondary school. King's College Riyadh, Sidra aims to provide a unique educational experience that combines international academic standards with a stimulating school environment that meets the aspirations of the new generation and addresses the needs of families in the Sidra community and the residents of Riyadh in general.

Enhancing quality of life and achieving the goals of Vision 2030

This project is not merely an educational building; it falls within the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, specifically the Quality of Life Program. Through its communities, "Roshan" aims to provide an integrated lifestyle that eliminates the need for residents to leave their neighborhoods to access essential services. Attracting prestigious educational institutions like King's College, with its decades-long British educational heritage, contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Riyadh's education sector and making the capital an attractive destination for local and international talent seeking exceptional education for their children.

Official statements

Commenting on this significant event, Osama Qabbani, Chief Development Officer at Roshan Group, said: “The joining of Kings College Riyadh to the Sidra community is a testament to our ongoing commitment to enhancing what we offer to Sidra residents, as integrating a world-class educational institution within a vibrant and rapidly growing community opens up broader options for residents.”.

Qabbani added, emphasizing the social impact of the project: “This project enhances Sidra’s position as a vibrant and unique community, and confirms the Roshan Group’s commitment to developing human-centered environments that support the prosperity of future generations and meet their aspirations, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”.

The importance of the project to the education sector in Riyadh

The launch of this school comes at a time when Riyadh is experiencing rapid population and urban growth, increasing the demand for quality education. The partnership between a real estate developer the size of Roshn and a global education operator like Cognita is a model of successful sector integration for sustainable development. The project will provide a modern learning environment based on the latest technologies and curricula, contributing to the development of a globally competitive generation, which directly supports the "vibrant society" pillar of the national vision.