title: Organization of the Saudi health system.
abstract: Using existing data, we reviewed the organizational structure of the Saudi Arabian health system: its demography and history, principal health indicators, organization and management, type and distribution of facilities, financial base, and the impact on it of the Haj. We noted duplication of services, inadequate coordination between some health industry sectors, and the need for a more extensive and rational health centre network with improved information systems and data collection. We also noted scope for a greater role for the private health sector and increased cooperation between it and the public sector to improve health service delivery and population health.
authors.affiliation: General Directorate of Health Centres, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Yousuf
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Akerele
authors.forename: Y Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Al-Mazrou
mesh_terms: D002017:Budgets / Q000458:organization & administration; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000458:organization & administration; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration; D006302:Health Services Research; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017149:Private Sector / Q000458:organization & administration; D017150:Public Sector / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D012529:Saudi Arabia