From Clinics to Code: 2024’s Health Tech Milestones
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system crossed a major digital threshold. Under the umbrella of the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), the Kingdom’s hospitals and health institutions embraced a sweeping wave of innovation, placing digital access and virtual care at the heart of patient experience. The Saudi Digital Health Transformation is no longer a pipe dream; it’s a living reality for millions.
51M Virtual Consultations and 31M App Users Signal a New Era
The “Sehhaty” app emerged as a cornerstone of the Saudi Digital Health Transformation, with over 51 million virtual consultations and appointments conducted in 2024 alone. This represents a seismic shift in how care is accessed, especially in a country with vast geography and diverse population centers. Digital health is no longer a niche; with 31 million active users — nearly 88% of the Kingdom’s population, it has become ubiquitous across the Kingdom.
Sehhaty’s 49 integrated services include everything from instant consultations and medication tracking to women’s health and digital health wallets. These tools empower users to manage their health proactively, without the friction of traditional hospital visits.
Seha Virtual Hospital Connects 224 Facilities and Serves 246K Patients
The Seha Virtual Hospital (SVH) continued its rapid expansion, connecting 224 hospitals and serving 246,000+ beneficiaries since its inception. With an annual capacity of 480,000 patients, SVH is now one of the largest virtual hospitals globally.
Its services span 71 major specialties and 44 sub-specialties, including cardiology, neurology, radiology, psychiatry, and smart virtual clinics. These services are powered by cutting-edge technologies such as AI diagnostics, imaging algorithms, robotics, and even metaverse environments, making SVH a flagship of the Saudi Digital Health Transformation.
87% Reduction in Radiology Report Time and 40M+ Vital Sign Readings
Radiology departments using virtual systems reported an 87% reduction in report writing time, accelerating diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, over 40 million vital sign readings were logged digitally, enabling real-time health monitoring and early intervention.
This data-driven approach is central to the Kingdom’s strategy: using technology not just to digitize, but to personalize and optimize care.
Virtual Care in Prisons, Emergency Rooms, and Stroke Units
The reach of the Saudi Digital Health Transformation extended into unexpected but critical areas. 90% of prison health centers are now integrated into the Seha platform, offering virtual consultations and appointment booking for inmates.
Emergency services also went digital. Virtual emergency care and stroke response systems allowed physicians across facilities to consult specialists instantly, saving lives and reducing response times. In fact, 2,000+ lives were saved by stroke and heart attack specialists using these technologies.
AI-Powered Eye Screenings and Virtual Pharmaceutical Consultations
Artificial intelligence played a growing role in early detection. In 2024, AI was deployed to screen for diabetic retinopathy across facilities run by the Ministry of Interior and the National Guard. This preventative technique helps diabetes patients avoid eyesight loss, one of the most prevalent problems.
Meanwhile, virtual pharmaceutical consultations allowed patients to speak with pharmacists remotely, improving access, reducing hospital congestion, and enhancing satisfaction.
44K Virtual Visits via “Bynahm” App for Inpatient Connection
The launch of the “Bynahm” app added a human touch to digital care. Designed to connect inpatients with their families through virtual visits, the app facilitated 44,000+ video calls in 2024. With 80% of users expressing full satisfaction, it proved that digital health can be both efficient and emotionally supportive.
A Future-Ready Health System, Built Today
The Saudi Digital Health Transformation is more than simply apps and algorithms; it is about reinventing healthcare delivery. With 31 million unified health files, 140 million online prescriptions, and a growing ecosystem of AI, virtual hospitals, and mobile platforms, Saudi Arabia is building a health system that is smart, scalable, and deeply human.
As the Kingdom continues its Vision 2030 journey, the digital health infrastructure laid in 2024 will serve as a foundation for global leadership in healthcare innovation.
Also Read: Saudi Telehealth Expansion to Quadruple Market Size by 2030
