RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Seha Virtual Hospital, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest online medical initiative, is leading the way in transforming healthcare accessibility and efficiency through digital innovation.
The facility, linked to over 200 hospitals across the Kingdom, is reshaping patient care by eliminating geographical limitations and integrating advanced artificial intelligence solutions.
Speaking with Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Riyadh, Abdullah Al-Issa, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for e-health and digital transformation, highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance health care services.
“Digital is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. The ministry has prioritized digitization to deliver high-quality services to beneficiaries, creating a deputyship responsible for strategy, enterprise architecture, and implementation of digital solutions,” Al-Issa stated.
Bridging gaps with Seha Virtual Hospital
The Kingdom’s e-hospital is transforming patient care by providing nationwide access to advanced consultations.
“For rare specialties, patients no longer need to travel long distances to see a doctor. With Seha Virtual Hospital, consultations can happen remotely, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment,” Al-Issa explained.
The establishment also powers initiatives like the Tele-ICU, which enables specialized consultants to assess critical patients remotely.
“Previously, patients requiring niche expertise had to be transferred via emergency air transport. Now, they can be treated in their hometown hospitals, reducing logistical burdens and improving outcomes,” he added.
AI-driven health care revolution
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence integration, using technology to enhance diagnostics and preventive care. “For two years, we have utilized AI in Seha Virtual Hospital, including AI-driven x-ray solutions that detect breast cancer and other conditions, assisting consultants by flagging abnormalities before they even examine scans,” said Al-Issa.
AI also plays a pivotal role in large-scale preventive health care. “We have screened over 30 million people for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, categorizing them into high-, medium-, and low-risk groups. Those at high risk receive further assessment and early intervention, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of increasing life expectancy to 80 years,” he noted.
Partnerships and cybersecurity in digital health
Collaboration with the private sector remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s health care strategy. “We welcome partnerships with innovators and technology firms to enhance services. Working alone isn’t enough— we must collaborate to maximize technology’s benefits for patients, doctors, and the entire ecosystem,” Al-Issa emphasized.
With the rapid digitalization of health care, cybersecurity has become a top priority. “We are fully aligned with the National Cybersecurity Authority’s recommendations to safeguard patient data and prevent misuse of technology,” he added.
Nafees: the unified medical record system
The Ministry of Health is also advancing health care integration through Nafees, a unified medical record system that consolidates patient health data across providers.
“Patients can now access their medical history through the Sehhaty app, while health care providers can view past diagnoses and test results, eliminating redundant procedures and enhancing efficiency,” Al-Issa said.
“We are midway through this project, with many providers already connected and more to follow in the coming years,” he added.
