Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan deepen healthcare ties with agreements, digital health link

Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan strengthened their healthcare partnership during Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel’s official visit to Uzbekistan, signing several agreements, expanding investment cooperation and launching a cross-border digital health platform linking medical teams in both countries.

Al-Jalajel began his visit Sunday with a meeting in Tashkent with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev to discuss expanding cooperation in healthcare and investment. Uzbek Health Minister Eldor Adilov and Deputy Health Minister Ilhomjon Umarzakov also attended.

The officials discussed healthcare system development, digital transformation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, workforce training and investment opportunities, with the aim of advancing sustainable development in both countries.

Al-Jalajel and Uzbek officials, joined by Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz Kudratov, also reviewed progress on the Fergana Hospital project. The planned 10-story, 800-bed facility is being developed by an international consortium that includes Saudi-based Vision Invest.

On Monday, Al-Jalajel attended a healthcare roundtable with senior Uzbek officials and business leaders focused on expanding investment, private-sector participation and cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, health technology, digital transformation and public-private partnerships.

Al-Jalajel said Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030 has created new opportunities for collaboration and expertise sharing to improve healthcare services in both countries.

The event brought together 75 government and industry representatives, including 60 private-sector CEOs.

During the visit, Al-Jalajel witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding, including an executive program between Saudi Arabia’s Seha Virtual Hospital and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health to expand cooperation in virtual healthcare.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties also signed three MoUs with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, Tashkent State Medical University and the Center for the Development of Professional Qualifications of Healthcare Workers to strengthen medical education, nursing, primary care and workforce training.

Al-Jalajel also inaugurated a digital connection linking Seha Virtual Hospital with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health from UZINFOCOM’s headquarters in Tashkent.

The platform will enable doctors in both countries to provide around-the-clock remote consultations, diagnoses and treatment through direct communication channels. It is intended to strengthen digital integration, improve access to specialist expertise and accelerate responses to complex cases while allowing Uzbek clinicians to benefit from Saudi medical expertise.

According to Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry, the initiative will improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services while supporting the development of more integrated, technology-driven health systems.

The ministry said the visit reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand international healthcare cooperation, strengthen strategic investment partnerships and support the goals of Vision 2030.