The E-Health is the combined use of electronic communication and information technology in the health sector. The
National E-Health Strategy has been developed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support and enhance the capabilities of the health sector in the digital domain. It is a response to the current circumstances and transformations in this field across the globe. Moreover, it creates an added value that improves the quality of the health services provided to beneficiaries to turn the Saudi Vision 2030 into a reality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MOH’s digital technologies have played an essential role in responding to the pandemic and rapidly recovering from it. These technologies featured the use of technology applications and platforms; to control the spread of the virus, help members of the Saudi community conduct PCR tests, take the vaccine, learn about self-isolation practices, and enhance the efficiency and quality of health services throughout the Kingdom. The use of digital technology has contributed to fighting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic; and thus mitigating its health and economic impact, providing high-quality health care, in addition to their efficiency and success in reducing costs.
MOH has developed the (937) hotline; with a view to responding to inquiries, giving necessary directions, and providing medical and psychological consultations around the clock. Furthermore, MOH has launched additional channels to reach the community, using an interactive Chabot via the number: 920005937; to provide advice and information. Moreover, it has activated Sign Language «Eshara» application to reach the deaf and mute segment of the society. Additionally, it has summarized scientific materials in languages that are common among residents to spread messages in a timely manner. It has developed applications like: «Tetamman», and «Maw’id» to assess suspected cases and follow up on confirmed cases. Other applications that the Ministry gave attention to included: «Seha», «Tabaud», «Tawakkalna», and «Ta’akad». Besides, it has activated the role of virtual clinics, telemedicine, remote consultations, teleradiology platforms, and medical robots to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, MOH has worked on issuing COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols for doctors. It has also issued educational guidelines for all segments of society, in addition to an interactive map. It has broadcasted statistics around the clock, and explored community interactions with the pandemic. Furthermore, it has conducted public opinion surveys using electronic questionnaires. It is noted that MOH has later merged its apps «Seha», «Tetamman» and «Mawid» into a unified app «
Sehhaty»; to facilitate the access of all citizens and residents to healthcare services.
The digital infrastructure, developed by the Ministry, has played an important role in smoothing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in the Kingdom, and facilitated the patient access to medicines through the
E-Prescription Service. MOH has launched an electronic medicines directory for smartphones; to ensure the effective and efficient use of medicines, and to help health practitioners check medication dosages before prescribing, dispensing, or administering to patients.
It is noted that MOH, represented by the
National Health Command and Control Center (NHCC), uses artificial intelligence (AI), in addition to human intervention; to make data-driven decisions (DDD) and provide efficient and sustainable services. During the pandemic, the NHCC has provided analyzes, forecasts, and recommendations for managing the capabilities of MOH and other government agencies. The NHCC has also monitored the data related to the pandemic, PCR tests, the hospital capacity, and the availability of important services, such as functional and non-functional mechanical ventilators; the matter which helped MOH make quick decisions to save lives and reduce the pandemic impact.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, MOH has continued to digitize the health care sector; with a view to improving the population health status in the Kingdom, especially through platforms and applications that facilitate healthcare services. It has also been keen to support and fund other AI applications, such as: Chatbots, «Seha» Virtual Hospital, which is the most important program of the
Digital Health Center of Excellence, «Holo Doctor» technology, and others. This reduces health care costs (HCC) by providing specialized health consultations with no need for real presence of physicians.