Latest news with #HealthSectorTransformationProgramme
The Star
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Over 5,000 healthcare volunteers support healthcare system during Haj season
Muslim pilgrims walk as water sprinklers spray water during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 7, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah MINA (Bernama-SPA): Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry said more than 5,000 healthcare volunteers participated in this Haj season, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to pilgrims. According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) this initiative aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Programme and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, both key components of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at increasing volunteer participation and strengthening their role in serving pilgrims. The ministry explained that the volunteers supported the healthcare services provided to pilgrims across three main areas: preventive, curative, and support services. Their efforts extended to various locations within the holy sites, including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as through active participation in hospitals and healthcare centres. -- Bernama-SPA
Gulf Insider
08-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Average Life Expectancy In Saudi Arabia Rises To 78.8 Years
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has announced a significant increase in average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia — from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024. The announcement was made in a report released to mark World Health Day, observed annually on April 7. This year's theme, 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,' underscores the importance of investing in health from early stages to ensure long-term well-being. The ministry attributed this milestone to the ongoing success of the Health Sector Transformation Programme, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The programme is focused on enhancing healthcare quality, reducing health risks, and promoting a vibrant society that enjoys better health and longer lives. Efforts include national campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, the widespread adoption of walking culture, and the encouragement of positive daily health habits. These initiatives have yielded clear improvements in public health indicators and are helping pave the way toward the Kingdom's goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030. In partnership with various government bodies, the ministry has introduced important nutritional and health policies — such as banning hydrogenated oils, reducing salt in foods, and mandating calorie labelling in food products and restaurants — to curb chronic illnesses and foster better dietary habits. The Kingdom continues to invest in preventive and therapeutic healthcare services, early detection programmes for diseases and tumours, and widespread health education initiatives. These sustained efforts aim to further boost life expectancy, reduce chronic disease prevalence, and build a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Source Gulf News
