Saudi Arabia announces major healthcare expansions, new cancer center, pharmacy chain
Major medical initiatives to bolster Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector have been unveiled this week, including a state-of-the-art oncology center and a huge pharmacy chain expansion. These initiatives represent growing private sector involvement in the Kingdom.
The announcements – made on the sidelines at Arab Health 2024 in Dubai – mark key progress in the Kingdom’s efforts to transform its medical sector under Vision 2030.
Advancing cancer care
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH), established in 2014 as a joint collaboration between Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Medicine, is launching an Oncology Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Jean-Jacques de Gorter, chief of staff at JHAH, explained the organization’s goals.
“Our mission is simple but ambitious: to revolutionize healthcare delivery by making world-class, patient-centered care more accessible in the Kingdom while advancing medical education and research.”
“Aligned with Vision 2030, we are not just addressing today’s healthcare challenges—we’re building a smarter, more sustainable healthcare system that will serve the Kingdom for generations to come.”
Through this collaboration, JHAH has launched more than 50 knowledge-sharing programs enhancing critical specialities, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and musculoskeletal health.
The timing is crucial, as cancer rates in the GCC are projected to increase by over 140 percent between 2020 and 2040, according to the National Library of Medicine, making it one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in the region. Population growth, aging, and lifestyle changes are key drivers, yet late-stage diagnosis and limited access to specialized care remain significant hurdles.
The center will focus on treating breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, which are three of the most diagnosed cancers in the region.
“This center is redefining cancer care by putting innovation, personalization, and accessibility at its core.
By integrating AI-powered diagnostics, genomic medicine, and precision therapies, we are tailoring treatments to each patient, leading to better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life,” the spokesperson said.
“With cancer cases rising sharply in the region, this center is a timely and crucial response, specializing in the treatment of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, which are three of the most diagnosed cancers in the GCC. But its impact goes beyond treatment. Early detection, precision diagnostics, survivorship programs, and research-driven innovation will help improve outcomes, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and advance cancer research within the region.”
Beyond advanced treatments, accessibility is key, said the doctor.
“The center is streamlining the entire patient journey—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and post-care—ensuring faster interventions, reducing delays, and making world-class care available close to home.”
Retail pharmacy expansion
In parallel developments, Aster Pharmacy announced plans to significantly expand its presence in Saudi Arabia through a joint venture with Al Hokair Holding Group.
N.S Balasubramanian, CEO of Aster Retail, said, “In Saudi Arabia, Aster Pharmacy has set itself on a course for an up-to-200 store journey over the next five years.”
This is a steep incline to the 14 pharmacies the group currently has in Riyadh.
The group has set aside around $250 million for Saudi Arabian expansion over the next five years, including acquisitions of health facilities, hospitals, and allied healthcare services.
Vision 2030
Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government plans to invest over $65 billion to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure, reorganize and privatize health services and insurance, launch 21 “health clusters” across the country, and expand the provision of e-health services. The government aims to increase the private sector’s contribution from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030, targeting the privatization of 290 hospitals and 2,300 primary health centers.
Regional medical tourism hub
The new oncology center is positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a regional medical tourism destination.
“Historically, many GCC patients traveled abroad for cancer treatment, but with this facility, we are offering internationally recognized, world-class oncology care within the Kingdom,” the JHAH spokesperson said.
The center will feature advanced radiation therapy, AI-assisted robotic surgery, and precision medicine capabilities. It will also serve as a hub for clinical trials and drug development, facilitating access to novel therapies.
“As a hub for clinical trials and drug development, the center will also facilitate access to novel therapies, expanding treatment options for patients,” said Dr. de Gorter.
“Through the partnership with Johns Hopkins, the center will strengthen expertise while also positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for medical tourism. And lastly, the center doesn’t just focus on treatment, it also focuses on prevention, with public health initiatives on early detection and scanning, reducing the disease burden across the region.”
Digital healthcare integration
Aster Pharmacy will expand its digital presence in Saudi Arabia by launching its myAster app, where customers can get both prescription and wellness products delivered to their doorstep.
Speaking about Saudi Arabia’s potential, Balasubramanian said: “The Saudi market is an extremely exciting and fascinating market, first of all, with a very sizeable population, then with the kind of changes that is happening in the Kingdom – attracting investment and attracting different nationalities and a diversified workforce.”
“With Vision 2030 and the vision to rapidly increase the population of Riyadh – backed up by some of the big events coming there, from Expo2030 – and the FIFA World Cup 2034 – it’s a very, very exciting time for the Kingdom and we want to be part of that journey.”
