'We Invest in and Use Technology to Address Global Health Challenges,' Says KFSH&RC CEO

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) CEO Dr. Majid Al Fayyadh attended the Gulf Creatives Conference at Harvard from May 10th to 12th, 2024, an event organized by The Diwan, an organization run by Harvard University alumni. Addressing the conference, Al Fayyadh presented the KFSH&RC’s journey since its inception in Riyadh, almost five decades ago, stressing that the center has significantly reduced the need for patients to travel abroad for medical care.

 According to a press release issued by KFSH&RC, ''KFSH&RC has evolved into a premier provider of tertiary healthcare services and today offers cutting-edge treatments for heart diseases, tumors, organ transplantation, and genetic disorders.''

 Al Fayyadh talked about KFSH&RC's transformation into an independent, non-profit foundation, which aligns with its strategic vision of becoming a global leader in healthcare, focusing on excellence, innovation, and investment in cutting-edge technology to tackle global health challenges.

 The Saudi leadership has outlined a clear vision for KFSH&RC, mandated by a royal decree transitioning the hospital into an independent sui generis non-profit foundation," said Al Fayyadh at the Conference.

 During his address at the conference at Harvard, Al Fayyadh elaborated on the hospital's transformation stating, "This transformation seeks to elevate healthcare standards through increased independence and flexibility, and will allow KSFH&RC to optimize existing services, pursue new opportunities, and direct resources toward initiatives that promote human health and well-being both within the Kingdom and internationally. Ultimately, this move reinforces KFSH&RC's dedication to patient-centered excellence.''.

 Al Fayyadh said that KFSH&RC “envisions itself as a leader in maximizing the value of healthcare spending, adhering to evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes. It seeks to remain at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, with initiatives designed to increase health equity and access worldwide”.

 To achieve this, he added, KFSH&RC will continue to invest in cutting-edge medical facilities, advanced diagnostic equipment, and state-of-the-art treatment technologies.

 Building on existing progress in areas like CAR T-cell therapy, robotic surgery, organ transplant, and personalized medicine, KFSH&RC, he said, ''aims to be highly competitive, not least through fostering an “exceptional workforce, pursuing Nobel Prize-caliber breakthroughs, and strengthening strategic international collaborations”.

 Al Fayyadh also took part in a panel discussion focusing on the evolving landscape of the healthcare sector and the positive outcomes of KFSH&RC’s ongoing transformation in patient care. He addressed current challenges and anticipated future developments in the healthcare sector, emphasizing the profound impact of the hospital's innovations on global healthcare advancement, and its initiatives that align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

 KFSH&RC is recognized as one of the leading global institutions that provides specialized healthcare, drives innovation, and serves as an advanced medical research and education hub. It is dedicated to developing medical technologies and elevating healthcare standards worldwide, forging partnerships with leading local, regional, and international institutions to deliver world-class services in clinical, research, and educational domains.

 For the second year running, KFSH&RC has retained its status as the leading institution in the Kingdom. It ranks 20th globally, among the top 250 academic medical centers, and is acknowledged as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East in 2024, according to Brand Finance. It was ranked among the world's top 250 hospitals by Newsweek Magazine.