A comparative study on the number of Patients sent Abroad for treatment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This paper focuses and analyse the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2006, 2011 and 2016. Objectives: To compare and analyse the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2006, 2011 and 2016. Research Methods: It is a descriptive and comparative research study in which historical data was analysed (Library Research). Significance of Research: There is a growing demand of healthcare services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority has identified healthcare as a priority sectors for investment and nationalization for employment. Moreover, the amount spent on the treatment abroad on the Saudi nationals in increasing every year. Research Design: The number of patients sent abroad for treatment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2006, 2011 and 2016 were compared and analysed by using the percentages. Study Population: This research is limited to the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2006, 2011 and 2016. Data Collections: The data were collected from the annual reports of Ministry of Heath, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the years 2006, 2011 and 2016, relevant published journals, articles, research papers, academic literature and web portals. Conclusion: This research revealed that there is an increase in the percentage of total number of patients sent abroad for treatment by Riyadh Commission 114.25% (2006-2016); Jeddah Commission by 245.74% (2006-2016); Eastern-Commission by 590.91% (2006-2016); Aseer-Commission by 1416.67% (2006-2016). However, there is a decrease in the percentage of total number of patients sent abroad for treatment by Jeddah Commission by 39.89% (2006-2011). Hence, there are good opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for investment and employment for the Saudi nationals in the healthcare service sector. Hence, there are enormous opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the investment of international and national entrepreneurs and employment for Saudi nationals in the lucrative healthcare service industry.