RIYADH — If Saudi Arabia is serious about healthcare reforms, the sector needs to increase transparency and communicate with patients, tending to their minds, emotions and not just their physical needs, says Musfer Al Shalawi, program director of Al-Adwani Hospital. “Healthcare in the Kingdom and the Middle East is going through a rapid change. It is witnessing tremendous growth in terms of healthcare technology and treatment, but if we are talking about real change we should look into creating an official record of patients' experience. I would like to see a patient satisfaction survey and quality accreditation ranking published so the patients can have a clear picture about the hospital or medical center they visit,” Al Shalawi added. As one of the speakers at the 2nd Patient Relations Symposium, Al Shalawi will address a delegation of more than 150 Saudi healthcare professionals. The symposium, taking place at the InterContinetal Riyadh on Saturday and Sunday, is a continuation of the Ministry of Health's initiative to prioritize and value every Saudi Arabian patient. Other speakers include Abdullah Bin Zarah, Executive Director of Clinical Affairs at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City; Dr. Ahmed Albarrak, Vice Rector for Planning, Quality and Development from Saudi Electronic University; Brig. Abdulhamid Al Jubair, Deputy Executive Director Information Systems and Informatics Division from National Guard Health Affairs; and Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Jumah, Executive Director of King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. The two-day event is organized and hosted by French business information group naseba. It allows participants to present their new products and services and meet potential buyers during business networking sessions. Ayman Tamer, Chairman and Managing Partner of Tamer, one of the symposium's sponsors, says he looks forward to forging new business relationships with the Kingdom's healthcare leaders and sharing their vision about the future. Fabien Faure of naseba said: “To keep up with the most developed healthcare systems worldwide, the Kingdom and whole region must concentrate on serving its patients. The global environment is constantly changing and new expertise is widely available. Saudi Arabia wants to be at the forefront of these changes, and we believe platforms like this allow experts to stay up-to-date with new advancements and for solution providers to present their latest developments.” — SG
